Lived in and around Chicago most of my life, and this is also my answer.

Having a winter hobby to look forward to takes the edge of the cold weather for me.

You mentioned the lake, but another benefit often overlooked is access to one of the largest bodies of fresh water on the planet.

Had to look up Zaddy, will absolutely take it

No, Tony Magnusson, but I’m pretty sure he retired

I see this depiction of men all the time, and it just baffles me.

At the end of the day, most men are so happy when they are able to provide, protect, and support their wives / families / friends. Doing so is how most men measure their success in life. As Eddie Murphy said, all we really ask in return is the big piece of chicken.

The two things I think would be most surprising to 25 year old me would be that I still skateboard regularly, and how happy I am being single, as they’d just gotten married and been told they’re too old to be skating.