1. Everyone knows everyone
Everyone knows everyone and everything about everyone. Secrets are scarce because gossip and rumors spread like wildfires.
2. There is no hiding anything from your parents.
And because everyone knows everyone no matter how hard you try to hide something you did wrong from your parents, the truth will always come out. Mine usually found out about something from someone at church.
3. Church is an important way of life.
Where I come from it seems like there is a church on every street just about. It is rare to find someone who doesn't go to church with either their parents or grandparents. Church is where I found some of my best friends. People know when you don't show up too and you best believe you'll be asked where you were the following Sunday.
4. Walmart was the place to hang out.
In a small town or at least in mine, there isn't much to do. Most of the time kids would hang out at Walmart on the weekends. I spent countless hours playing hide and seek in the aisles or riding the bikes in the toy section.
5. Your town is just a "pass through town."
You know this if your town has fifteen million gas stations and fast food places. Most of the time people stop in town on their way to Raleigh or Charlotte. The number of gas stations and fast food chains rivals with the number of churches.
6. No one has heard of the town.
Before moving to school, I rarely had to explain where Thomasville was. Most of the people I talked to was from around the area so they knew exactly where I was talking about. When I got to school I learned quickly how to give someone the general idea where I was from.
7. You were raised with Southern manners.
Coming from a small town in the South, I was expected to mind my P's & Q's. I was taught to hold the door for someone and to say "please" and "thank you." I am expected to respect the elders in my family and in my church. Ma'am and Sir are staples of my vocabulary, as well as "please" and "thank you." Saturdays are meant for family and pick-up football games while Sundays are meant for church and family dinners.
8. You value the simple things in life.
Growing up in small town chances are you are not growing up with many fancy things. Instead you learn the importance of family, friends, and your faith. You learn to appreciate simple things, like an answered prayer. Going out to eat and buying new clothes are not done every day but only on occasions. You grew up understanding that just because you have simple things does not mean you are poor. It means you grew up with experiences and memories. You grew up with family and friends who love you. You grew up understanding that happiness does not come from material things. Instead it comes from watching your high school football team win a big game. You value the little things in life and understand they are what make life worth living.
If I had the chance to go back and pick where I grew up at, I would still pick Thomasville. Although it is small and at times suffocating, it taught me a lot about myself and the things I value. I found some of my best friends in there and that tiny town will forever be my home sweet home.
