Some of us are city people, others are small town girls. I love being in a big city filled with excitement and large crowds of people, but more than anything I love my small home town of Smyrna, Delaware. I could tell you so many things about growing up in my small town, but here are some of my favorites.
1. Everyone knows you
No matter what store you walk into, what hair or nail salon you walk into, or what restaurant you walk into, you're gonna run into someone you know. It makes it super easy to see how family and friends are. Plus if you're ever short on cash, someone you know is usually behind you in the grocery store to give you the extra dollar or two.
2. The waiters or waitresses at your favorite restaurants know your favorite meal
It seems silly, but hey, it makes me happy knowing the minute I sit down the waiter or waitress knows what I want to drink and eat. Plus they go out of their way to make sure you're taken care of.
3. The hair stylist lets you give her an IOU
Short on cash? Left your credit card at home? Well in my town, my hair stylist is totally cool if you come back a day or two later to pay her. So laid back right? I love her! And it isn't just at the hair salon, some small town business owners are cool with IUO's too!
4. The sales associates become your friends
No, seriously. After being in a store so many times, they know your name, what you're in there for, and what you're doing with your life. They become friends, know secrets, and give advice. You laugh about silly things, and talk like you've known them forever.
5. You teach something you once participated in
You become the little league softball coach of the team you once played on as a child. Or in my case, become the teacher of the Sunday school class I once sat in as a little girl. What ever it is you enjoyed as a child, you enjoy teaching it or showing it to your children.
6. If you're in trouble, someone is always there to help
Car break down? Got lost? Even in a small town that can happen. Either way, someone you know is always there to help and lend a hand, or a GPS!
7. You get nicknames
Wherever you go, you're known as something. For me and my boyfriend, we're known as the lovebirds at our favorite restaurant. At church the older folks call me darling, and to some people I'm known as the barista in one of the towns favored coffee shops.
8. Your childhood places become your child's childhood places
The park you played at as a child, the park you took your girlfriend or boyfriend too, the park where you take your children to play: it's the same park. The playground might have changed slightly, but it's still the same. That ice cream shop down the street becomes your child's favorite ice cream place too.
There are so many more things I could tell you about why I love my small town; things like the parades, block parties, community events, and more! Everyone sticks together in my town. We are all close and care about our neighbors. Everything about a small town tends to stay the same; that's why I love small towns, and why I'll always be a small town girl.
