Alex:  Why does it have to be so difficult to meet up in this city!? I live on the west side, closer to the ocean, and the majority of people I have met or knew before I moved here live on the east side, closer to Hollywood or Studio City. At first the traffic didn’t bother me, but now it’s what is killing my friendships with people! That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to meet up with someone, but didn’t because of traffic. Forget crossing the 405 anytime between 2pm to 8pm. That leaves a small window of time to hang. It sucks! Don’t even bother trying to make dinner plans anymore. The only people I can see regularly are those I live with or those who live west of the 405. Sad face. Maybe I need to drive with you the next time you run errands, to start learning the back roads so I can get around this city faster. An app I sometimes use that takes me on alternative routes is called, Waze. A couple friends swear by it. It alerts you of anything…cars pulled over on the side of the road, an accident, construction, a waiting po-po, traffic, etc.
Nik:  Yeah. It happens. I usually meet my friends in the middle. We make plans way in advance because last minute things are impossible with LA traffic. Make friends that live by you and take turns with friends on the other side of LA–make them come to you one time and then go to them the next. It’s a pain in the ass, but you’ll get used to it. Also, don’t be a flake. It takes so much effort to hangout with people here that I usually end up drifting apart from flaky friends. The plus is that you get to explore different hoods. That’s never a bad thing.
Alex:  Excellent use of the word hoods. I’m proud of you.