For a lot of the time I was in Berkeley, I was single. I was living in a kind of collegiate apartment by myself - it was like a protracted summer vacation. So at least in hindsight, I have gloomy emotions attached to Berkeley, whereas I started coming to New York because I was dating someone, and it was very exciting and romantic.

The quote "For a lot of the time I was in Berkeley, I was single. I was living in a kind of collegiate apartment by myself - it was like a protracted summer vacation. So at least in hindsight, I have gloomy emotions attached to Berkeley, whereas I started coming to New York because I was dating someone, and it was very exciting and romantic." by Adrian Tomine reflects the emotional contrast between his time living in Berkeley and his experiences in New York. Tomine highlights how his time in Berkeley was marked by solitude, where he lived in a collegiate apartment by himself, which he describes as akin to an extended summer vacation. This period of isolation and loneliness seems to have left him with gloomy emotions.

In contrast, his trips to New York were connected to the excitement of dating someone, which made the experience feel more romantic and fulfilling. The mention of dating introduces a sense of connection and personal growth, shifting the tone from solitude to a more engaged and emotional experience. The romantic and exciting nature of his visits to New York stands in stark contrast to the isolation he felt during his time in Berkeley, creating a strong emotional distinction between the two locations.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Tomine's own life experiences, specifically his time as a student or young adult living in Berkeley, a city known for its university and intellectual culture. While he acknowledges the intellectual value of his time there, it was also a period of emotional detachment for him. His visits to New York marked a time of connection and personal fulfillment, likely due to the influence of a romantic relationship that brought a new, positive dimension to his life.

Ultimately, Tomine's quote reflects the impact of relationships on our emotional experiences. While certain periods of life, like his time in Berkeley, might feel marked by loneliness or unfulfilled emotions, other moments, such as those in New York, can be defined by the excitement and romance that accompany meaningful connections with others. The quote illustrates how personal relationships can transform our perception of places and times in our lives.