Everybody's read article upon article about living in a small town, things you can relate to, but what about the things they don't tell you? Take it from a small town girl herself...
1. Southern Hospitality Takes A Turn
"Y'all come back now ya hear?" Easily the number one phrase in the South other than "hold my beer." Southern hospitality is applied most of the time to strangers, and in small town everyone's nice to your face, but as soon as you walk away you can pretty much count on a negative comment being made by someone. We call this Southern Hostility, folks!
2. It Really Is All About Who You Are
In small towns it really is all about who you are or who you know. You might not believe me, and I didn't believe it until I saw it in action, but simply your last name in small town can get you out of some sticky situations... just "tell em' who dad is."
3. Laws Don't Apply on Backroads
Going backroading is a sacred ritual in a small town and contrary to popular belief, drinking and driving IS acceptable while you're chillin' on a dirt road. Honestly though, what else would you be doing? Just listen to any country song ever made. (Totally kidding, never drink and drive, stay safe kids!)
4. Everyone Sleeps With Everyone
In most articles about small towns you'll see the point, "everyone knows everyone," this is true... everyone just knows everyone a little too well. Just be careful.
5. You Might Be Sleeping With Your Cousin
Point number four brings us straight to point number five, which is that there is a good chance you are sleeping with your cousin. In a small town everyone is related and/or (if you're into that sort of thing) married. Therefore, if you date or sleep with someone within city limits you should probably do your research. But hey, "everybody sleeps with their cousins, it's normal."
6. Knowing Your Local Police is Important
The chance that the cop that pulled you over has either partied with your parents or dated one or more of your friends is very high, so brush up on your history.
7. No Ground Has Not Been Covered
If you're a tourist, new to the town, or just out exploring and you find a pretty place to sit in watch the sunset or a vast open space with nothing around, I promise you someone has already found it... and they probably already either partied there or "slept" there.
8. Dating Sucks
Recently I read an article that said that dating in a small town was "easy because you already know everyone's history." They lied, dating is HARD because you already know everything about everyone, there is no room left for surprises or new information.
9. Sometimes You Date Siblings
In a small town it's important to remember that your options within the town are very scarce and sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Say you date the older sibling and things don't work out down the road, then one day you notice the younger sibling (within reason) and want to go for it, it's acceptable... things will get less weird.
10. Word Travels Fast
If it's newsworthy, everybody really does know what you did last night.
There you have it, ten of the many things that people don't tell you about living here in small town USA!
