No matter how much you love the city you call home, it's always easy to find something to complain about. Whether it's unreliable public transit, a long wait for a table at your favorite restaurant or the putrid scent wafting out of the alley behind your apartment, Chicagoans love to grumble about the downsides of life in our Midwestern metropolis. But after being locked down in our apartments during the Illinois "stay-at-home" order, we've all gained some perspective on the things we used to whine about constantly. In fact, there are a few things we'll do our best to never again complain about (audibly, at the very least) once this is all over.
1. Waiting in line for a porta-potty at a street festival
We’ll be happy for the chance to pee in something that isn’t our home toilet.
2. Having to wait an extra 10 minutes for the bus
The bus tracker is back to its usual antics, but at least we get to enjoy some fresh air.
3. Pulling up a stool next to a couple on an awkward first date
Miraculously, months spent in isolation have us craving plodding conversations between strangers about jobs, college and vacations.
4. The loud groups of Cubs and Sox fans on the Red Line
At least baseball, ballpark hot dogs and 7th-inning–stretch sing-alongs are back!
5. The crowds of tourists jockeying for selfies around the Bean
After looking at Instagrams of folks stuck inside over the past few months, it's great to see some outdoor scenery.
6. The three-hour wait for a table at Au Cheval
Sure beats the three hours it takes to get groceries, fire up the grill and stick a knife in a mediocre homemade burger.
7. Train delays on the way to work
We’re going into the office again? Hallelujah!
8. When it's last call and the lights come up in the bar
Getting shooed out of your favorite dive with a group of your friends sure beats dozing off alone on your couch while clutching half a beer.
9. A lackluster Lollapalooza lineup
After months without live music, we’d settle for an entire afternoon at Perry’s Stage (just don’t force us to wear a Toon Squad jersey).
10. The next polar vortex
It's just nice to have a reason to put on our warmest coat again.
11. The person blocking your view of A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte at the Art Institute
Go ahead and take your time. It's nice to be in a museum with crowds of people looking at a famous painting of a crowd of people.
12. Overrated rooftop bars
As long as we're sipping cocktails with friends in the sunshine, we honestly don't care where we are.
13. Your family's unrelenting requests to eat deep dish when they visit
Pizza that hasn't been in someone's backseat for the last 30 minutes? Mmmm.
14. When you get stuck sitting behind a group with lawn chairs and a miniature picnic table at a Millennium Park concert
We're all just trying to live our best life outdoors, so we'll close our eyes and enjoy the music.
15. Visiting friends who live on the opposite side of the city
Really, what's six miles?
16. Your neighbors' eclectic assortment of junk that lines the curb during dibs season
Broken lawn chairs, wobbly saw horses and overturned buckets have never looked so beautiful.
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