When some people talk about their home state to other people, they often sugarcoat the flaws or claim that they have no flaws at all, but you and I know better. I’ve lived in one of your suburban neighborhoods for too many years to believe that you, or any other state, is perfect. Perfection is overrated, though, and isn’t nearly as interesting.

There are times when I imagine walking the streets of your older and wiser brother, New York. There are also other times when I am living in your aunt; Connecticut, and even for a brief period in your distant, twice-removed relative; England. Wherever I end up, you will always be my home state and despite your questionable drivers, and even more questionable governor, there are a lot of aspects about you that I enjoy.

For starters, you’ve given me the Jersey Shore. I spent too many summers down the shore, but never enough at the same time. Whether it was the annual week in August in Wildwood Crest, long weekend trips to Cape May or day excursions to Asbury Park, the opportunities are endless. Your shores are different wherever you go, each shoreline offering different sights and countless types of people. Whether I have traveled down south on a warm summer weekend or a cool fall day, your beaches and boardwalks have never disappointed me.

You have also introduced me to Bruce Springsteen — though Mom does deserve a fair bit of credit for that as well. Even though it is not technically his song, “Jersey Girl” is my favorite performance of his, and it comes back to loving the shore and all that it represents. When other states make fun of New Jersey, you have given us a legend who does not forget where he is from. Other music icons that you have given us include Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi, The Four Seasons, Queen Latifah and Fetty Wap. Not to mention all the great writers that have come from you: Mitch Albom, Judy Blume, Allen Ginsberg and George R. R. Martin. Also, actors that include: Peter Dinklage, Lou Costello, Danny DeVito, Jack Nicholson, Joe Pesci, Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit and John Travolta. Finally, astronaut, Buzz Aldrin and athlete, Shaquille O’Neal round off your impressive roster.

Besides your incredible line-up of people born and raised here, you also have one place that I always end up coming back to, especially in recent years. You know it — Metlife Stadium. I’ve seen One Direction (with 5 Seconds of Summer), Taylor Swift (with Shawn Mendes and Vance Joy), Coldplay (with Alessia Cara) and Springsteen perform in your stadium, and every time I go back there it feels like I am returning to another home. Granted, I get less nostalgic when we are fighting traffic at 1 a.m. while trying to stay awake, but I suppose that falls into the “we’re all flawed” mentality.

As I have said repeatedly, you offer so much and are credited so little. I do not always appreciate the literary and musical culture that you have brought to the world, as well as your incredible vacation destinations. You are possibly the ultimate underdog — it is pretty difficult when you the Lincoln Tunnel is only 30 minutes from my house, leading to an incredible city —, but you take it in stride and are always there when I am ready return home.

Thank you for all that you do.

Love,

A Jersey Girl