I moved to Nashville, Tennessee three years ago from Fort Collins, Colorado for college. I loved the rolling hills, flashing lights, Honky Tonk bars and guitarists on every corner.
The girls were all so beautiful, put together, fashionable. The guys seemed to have a sense of style, trendiness and passion. I believed I belonged here. But as the years have progressed, I have realized distinctly that I do not belong nor do I fit in the South.
My heart and soul will always be Western.
1. I cannot curl my hair
I have tried to perfect the beautiful curls that girls seem to blissfully pull off every morning. Instead, I end up frustrated with a head of lopsided waves and frizz. I need to stick with the pony tails.
2. I don’t like sweet tea
Don’t get me wrong, I have tried to love this southern staple. But for some reason, I just don’t see the appeal. It makes my teeth hurt, and one sip sends me on a sugar high.
3. I don’t find man buns attractive
This may just be a hipster trend in Nashville, but I am not attracted to men who can pull their hair up more stylishly than I have ever been able to. I want to go back to the classic haircuts and trimmed beards.
4. I love t-shirts, old jeans and Birkenstocks
When it comes to fashion, I like comfort with the ability to be active. Sometimes putting on a dress or a romper or high heels makes me feel beautiful, but I usually prefer my worn in t-shirts and distressed jeans.
5. I would rather be in the mountains than in a country bar
I thought that the rolling hills down south would be able to satisfy my craving for the outdoors. I thought the excitement of the city life and the music industry would pull me in just as much as the mountains.
But I was wrong. I don’t think anything could ever satisfy my soul as much as the Rocky Mountains.
6. My idea of putting on makeup is applying mascara
I have heard words such as contouring and smoky eyes, but I still could not tell you the first thing about them.
I can apply a mean coat of mascara to my eyelashes, but that is as far as I can go in the makeup world.
7. I would rather eat a grilled chicken salad than barbecue
The pulled-pork sandwiches, creamy mac ‘n cheese and fried potato skins make most mouths water, but they just make my stomach hurt. I would rather have a healthy salad and some grilled meat than an all-out barbecue meal. I won’t deny that I love how it smells, though.
8. I don’t understand the rules distinguishing between “y’all” and “all y’all”
I thought that I was beginning to fit in down here when I began to replace “you guys” with “y’all." My pride was quickly stomped out.
I soon learned that there were many cases when “y’all” was incorrect and “all y’all” should be used. But here I am, three years in, still at a loss for the difference in the situations.
9. I don’t look pretty while I’m working out
When I go for a run or lift some weights, I am drenched in sweat with a face clean of makeup. I often look around the gym, though, to see flawless faces made up and free of sweat.
10. I’m not a fan of horse races, NASCAR or Jack Daniels
Enough said.
I still find the rolling hills, the music on every corner and the beautiful people astounding. I will always be grateful that I journeyed into the south. But I can now definitely tell that I do not belong down here.
