While I truly love living in the city of Chicago, I must admit full-time life here was a bit of an adjustment, to say the least. I am from a very small town in Indiana, and honestly, culture shock set in very quickly. Here are 5 major signs that you are big city living from a small town.
1. You Won't Know Everyone
News flash, there won't be comfort in knowing you will see the same faces every day. The shock of seeing hundreds of new people every day while walking around the city or even to classes will take some getting used to.
2. No One Cares
In smaller towns, people tend to have more of a commission for kindness. You'll find this isn't as true in the city when you're walking down the street and drop your bag. You're more likely to have someone steal your stuff than help you pick it up. Also, don't even try to smile at people, you won't get a reaction.
3. Gossip Isn't a Thing
Since everyone knew everyone in your small town, it was hard to not have gossip. You'll find that in a big city, no one really cares to gossip about you and your problems. It actually isn't a bad thing, as small town gossip and rumors can haunt a person for quite some time. Be thankful.
4. Letter Jackets? Yeah, Throw Those Out.
The only looks you're going to get in a letter jacket in a big city is looks of laughter and judgment. Leave high school back in your small town, and take the jacket back to your mom. Honestly, though, even if you're not going to college in a big city, no one cares about your high school victories in sports.
5. Scenery is a Bit Different
I used to get in my car and drive to school with nothing but me, the road, and farm land...until I reached town, which wasn't much of a different scene. Now, driving is a little bit more hectic. Skyscrapers replace farms and the CTA replaces tractors.
Now of course, I do miss the interesting things I would see at my local Walmart and Rural King, but for me, city living is so much better. It takes a lot of guts to move atmospheres from a small town to a large city, but those of us who do, grow to truly love it.
