Sure, people talk anywhere you go. Yeah, some people can name most of their peers from high school. And okay, a lot of people date the same person more than once. But nothing compares to the endless, methodical cycle of growing up in a small town where word travels faster than wildfire and everyone has a judgmental side.
The basic small town divides individuals into various simple categories. You have the rebel rousers and you have the goody goodies. You have the churchgoers and you have the heathens. You have the rednecks and you have the high class. No matter what you do, you can never stand somewhere in the middle. Everyone is either one extreme or the next. And Lord forbid the two extremes ever collide.
It is the talk of the town when one individual deviates from his or her assigned “social standing.” And if that girl is seen running around with that boy, well “Mm, such a shame. She seemed like such a great girl.” It’s as if no one can define him/herself, but are instead defined by their acquaintances. But whatever happened to everyone just all getting along?
Mistakes are publicized and one run-in with the law is enough to ruin one’s name. The preaching on Sundays just doesn’t seem to be getting through people’s thick skulls. A loving and close-knit community is portrayed, when in reality, everyone is just out to outdo the other. So it goes within a small town.
Girls will continually compete for attention from the same guys all throughout their high school career. The guys will brag about dating each girl from the same friendship circle. Parents will talk about how great their kid is to other parents. Grandparents will reminisce on the old days and shake their head in disapproval of the “kids these days.” Everyone walks with a chip on their shoulder while continually having to watch their back and their next step.
Rumors are everyone’s worst nightmare. The truth can be twisted into the most corrupt possible scenario. Regular run-of-the-mill gossip seems like it was published in Sunday’s newspaper, because everyone literally knows everyone, there isn’t much everyone doesn’t know. A private life doesn’t exist.
Attempting to fly below the radar when going out is nearly impossible. It is almost a guarantee that you will somehow, somewhere run into someone you know. Just like that, your cover is blown. Therefore, if the courage to go out on a “scandalous” date is mustered, no one makes the mistake of staying in town. But even out of town, there isn’t any promise someone won’t recognize your cars parked by one another.
Don’t get me wrong, growing up and living in a small town has its benefits. It is great to know the people breathing the same air as you. A comfort level is created when entering the intimidating high school halls with the same kids you played on the jungle gym with in elementary school. But somewhere in between the comfort and familiarity lies the hostility and sabotage.
To anyone in a small town, make everyone’s life a little easier and keep your nose in your own business. Try to keep your opinions to yourself and don’t place labels, but love instead. Don’t judge someone based on their last name, but by their personality. Stay humble and enjoy the company that surrounds you everywhere you go. After all, not many people get the privilege of living a small town kind of life.
