Living in a small town can sometimes feel like being trapped in a small bubble and constantly running out of oxygen. Other times, it is the greatest place in the entire world. There are some things you get from growing up in a small town that you just can't get anywhere else.
1. They aren’t afraid to put your business on the street.
It may be standing on the corner with this sign, or your face on the front page of the busted paper located in every local business.
2. Seeing people ride lawn mowers on the road is no big deal.
Just wave and keep right on going. It's either the town drunk or some redneck who needed to feel up before he mowed the grass.
3. Dating feels hopeless because you are related to EVERYONE.
Yeah, that is actually your sixth cousin, from Uncle Earl's side of the family. He married Lindsey, got divorced and now she's dating that other fella. Oh, and their mom is actually your Grandma's niece.
4. Getting checked out of school early for the local parade is the highlight of the year.
From the homecoming parade to the strawberry festival, it's a big deal. It may be the smallest parade ever but we rally around, wave and support one another because that is what you do in a small town.
5. The fair is basically a large social event with farm animals.
If you are still in high school, you more than likely show an animal in the fair. If that wasn't really your thing, you at least entered a chicken or a rabbit. If you are out of school, you will likely have a big reunion with friends and family right there next to the ferris wheel.
6. It's actually a silent contest to see who has the muddiest truck at school on Monday.
It was actually the cool thing to do in high school. Boys will be boys.
7. Sometimes you feel like you have two options after high school and others are not welcome.
If you are a female, you know exactly what this feels like. If you love your small town but aren't inclined to all its traditions, you may choose to drive straight and beat your own path. I say go for it!
8. You learned to make your own fun.
Bodyboarding (boogie boarding in the south) in the ditches after a flood was life. If you don't own one, just grab a trash can lid. It works just the same!
9. Driving dirt roads is a typical night on the town.
Sometimes we did it just to burn gas and get out of the house. If you've never gone driving dirt roads at night, you probably aren't from a small town.
10. Always hated the next town over, no matter what.
It was in the rivalry in sports and rivalry in life.
11. Your favorite restaurant knows your order without asking.
You know all of the waitresses by name and you eat there every single week, sometimes more.
12. You have been featured in the local newspaper at least once.
It may have been for sports, terrific kids, honor roll, or even graduation, but it has happened.
13. Even if you get out, you know you’ll always have a support system and a place to call home.
Sometimes you just need to leave and experience life outside of this town and there is nothing wrong with that. No matter how far you go, you know you always have a place to call home with friends and family who love and support you!