The ‘New York Times’ Crossword App Was a Friend When I Needed One

The black and white squares kept me sane, and now I can’t live without them

This is “I Can’t Live Without,” a column about the apps, gadgets, and services that make all the difference.

There are certain words the New York Times crossword always comes back to. It is fond of the creme-filled OREO, of tides that EBB, of an old Russian TSAR (or CZAR). It enjoys IMO, shorthand for a texter’s expression of opinion. And it inexplicably loves the musician Brian ENO.

I would guess that most crossword puzzle enthusiasts have similar lists in their heads. The words may differ, but the existence speaks to one thing: a keen familiarity with their favorite black and white squares. Once I finished enough New York Times puzzles — which, like the paper itself, hew to a very particular voice — I began to notice these words. They set off small flares in my mind in the same way that you start to remember someone’s habits once you spend enough time with them. I now think of the crossword like any other relationship in my life: The creators are like friends, some of whom I like, and some of whom I don’t. It has good days and bad days. Sometimes I can finish its sentences, while other times I want our time together to end so I can go home and eat a…