Tip Our Hats: Out-of-towners

In my 10+ years of living in Philadelphia, I like to think I’ve discovered some pretty neat places tucked away in weird little corners that not every run-of-the-mill resident is aware of. Of course, I’m usually wrong. I’ll think I have some ace up my sleeve to impress a girl that’s only been here for a year and a half, but when we get there, it’s always, “Oh, yeah! I know this place!” And just like that, I suddenly feel way less impressive.

But fret not, my ego, as there is help on the way: The out-of-towner. I love being able to bring you anywhere in town, knowing you’ve never been there. I’ll spend all afternoon regaling you with useless facts about everything we pass. I know deep down that you really don’t care about any of these things I’m telling you, but that you’re playing along and smiling at me when I make a bad joke about City Hall makes it all worthwhile. Even more than that, it all makes for a great excuse to keep walking and talking and not go home just yet.

And if that weren’t enough, when you realize we’re trying out some activity that even I haven’t done, your face lights up like an orphan on Christmas morning in the 3rd act of some happy-ending-type movie. The fact that there are still things here that I don’t know, and you get to do them with me for the first time; I know, that's pretty exciting.

So girls from other places that come to Philadelphia to go on a date with me, I tip my hat to you. Thanks for making me feel like I’ve got something to bring to the table here.