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13 Signs You Grew Up in a Small Town As Told by The Office

The struggles of growing up in a small town.

May 24, 2016

13 Signs You Grew Up in a Small Town As Told by The Office

I grew up on Shelter Island, which is an island in between the two forks of Long Island (so an island off of an island). With a year-round population of about 3,000 people (it is mainly a summer and weekend tourist hot spot), Shelter Island is one of the smallest towns on Long Island. As someone who graduated high school with 20 people (10 boys and 10 girls), I know the struggles of growing up in a small town all too well.

Here are just a few things that I have learned from growing up in a small town:

1. Literally EVERYONE knows everyone's business.

If you tell your friend something, chances are that 10 people will know about it in the next five minutes.

2. Don't want to be seen today? Too bad, because you are going to run into everyone you know in the supermarket.

Oh, and they also want to know EVERYTHING that you've been up to.

3. Everyone remembers the kid who thew up in kindergarten.

4. Visiting your old high school teachers is totally normal and not weird.

5. Hope you like everyone because you'll be with them from kindergarten until you leave for college!

6. Want to get something to eat late at night? Too bad because everything closes at 7pm!

7. Yes, everyone still remembers that time you farted during class in middle school.

8. Not even attempting to use your fake ID at local bars because everyone knows how old you are.

Even when you're 21 it's still weird. Who wants to see their friends' parents at the bar?

9. Close-minded people who are mentally 50 years behind.

It's 2016, people!

10. Spending your off-days in the summer at the beach.

That is if you're from a beach community.

11. Quick trip to the mall? More like 30-45 minute drive to the nearest shopping center.

12. The new kid in class is suddenly the coolest thing to ever happen, and everyone wants to befriend them.

Sweet, a new human to interact with!

13. You can't flip off the people you hate at graduation because you will probably run into them again- tomorrow.

To all of my fellow small-town folks:

Although it can be tough at times, small communities have to stick together, and we will always have each other's back!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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13 Signs You Grew Up in a Small Town As Told by The Office

The struggles of growing up in a small town.

1. Literally EVERYONE knows everyone's business.

2. Don't want to be seen today? Too bad, because you are going to run into everyone you know in the supermarket.

3. Everyone remembers the kid who thew up in kindergarten.

4. Visiting your old high school teachers is totally normal and not weird.

5. Hope you like everyone because you'll be with them from kindergarten until you leave for college!

6. Want to get something to eat late at night? Too bad because everything closes at 7pm!

7. Yes, everyone still remembers that time you farted during class in middle school.

8. Not even attempting to use your fake ID at local bars because everyone knows how old you are.

9. Close-minded people who are mentally 50 years behind.

10. Spending your off-days in the summer at the beach.

11. Quick trip to the mall? More like 30-45 minute drive to the nearest shopping center.

12. The new kid in class is suddenly the coolest thing to ever happen, and everyone wants to befriend them.

13. You can't flip off the people you hate at graduation because you will probably run into them again- tomorrow.

To all of my fellow small-town folks:

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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