An Open Letter to Everyone Who Says “Move to Florida” Because I Don’t Like Winter

Dear every person who has ever told me to move to Florida when I complain about how much I don't like winter:

Let me first start by telling you I love Maine. I've lived here all my life, which is over 50-something years. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else for so many reasons. Winter is the only reason I don't enjoy Maine as an adult. Shoveling snow four times in a week makes my back scream.

I share a home with my significant other who I have been with for 13 years. I have a nice backyard which is great in the summer, but not so much in the winter. Raking snow off the roof in over a foot of crusty snow isn't fun. That crusty snow cut my shin! Seriously.

I loved snow as a kid. Why? I didn't have to drive in it or shovel it. I could make snow forts and snow angels with my friends. It was great.

Yes, I complain about winter, whether it's in conversation with people or on social media. I like using the hashtag #ihatewinter.

Here's the thing though. People are allowed to have opinions and feelings about living in Maine. Like I said, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else because the other three seasons in Maine are the best.

This is not the best for me:

When people say "Move to Florida" you're just being mean. Why do I not want to move to Florida? I have a family here. I have a great job that I love. I have a house that I love. A partner that I love. All of that is here in Maine and if the worst I have to put up with is winter, I'll take it, because everything else about Maine is what keeps me here and likely will for the rest of my life.