Dear Boston

By Nicole Jones

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We've been together for a while now. And I really like you. I've told you embarrassing stories about my awkward high school years, and you've shown me some crazy stuff from your past. I admit that things were a little rocky at first. But isn't that how all great relationships start? I mean, yeah, I was kind of pissed when I moved here from North Carolina in February and spent the next two months shoveling snow and downing DayQuil. In retrospect, what did I expect? I'd heard you could be cold. And that time when I slipped down those stairs that you coated with ice? I realize now that you did it because you loved me so much. The bruises weren't even that bad.

Being a big, older city, you were a little scary at first, but in an exciting, more experienced kind of way. But lately, I've heard about the drive-by shooting in Somerville, the man who was shot to death in Allston over the weekend and the knife-wielding serial mugger who's robbed five women in the last two months around Boston University. I feel like I don't even know you anymore.

My mom calls and asks how you're treating me (I guess you're treating me all right, though I'm still not crazy about what I've heard through the grapevine). I defend you, of course. "You don't know Boston like I do." According to the Boston Police Department, overall crime—including homicide, assault and rape—has actually decreased so far this year. As of March 23rd, there were over 100 fewer incidents reported compared to last year. I guess those statistics are a good sign, but things just don't feel right, you know?

One little bank robbery now and then (or, um, 30 in January alone) is easy to ignore. Anybody can fall off the wagon—and into a bank heist. I understand. I do.

I'm part of the problem too. The violence in Dorchester, Roxbury and South Boston feels easy to ignore most of the time. Nine out of the 14 homicides so far this year were in Dorchester, but it seems so far away from me, even though it's not.

This isn't an intervention. I'm not giving you an ultimatum or anything. Please don't get upset. As someone who cares about you, I'm saying, maybe you need to think about some things. It's time to admit you need some help. I'm here for you, for whatever you need.

In the meantime, though, I think our relationship needs to change. Maybe my mom was right about you. Maybe I do need that bottle of mace.