I was born and raised in a small town two hours west of Alabama's capital, Montgomery.
And growing up in a small town comes with some interesting experiences, both good and bad.
1. The Fixin's!
Southern living means always eating good, homemade food. Food brings families together and leaves you with memories of being crammed into your kitchen with your family. Plus, you can keep all of the secret recipes!
And do not let me forget to mention sweet tea. Sweet tea is a staple beverage served with almost every meal and will always be a thick, light brown syrup. Adding sweetener to unsweetened tea isn't the same. Listen to any country song, ever, and you'll find out.
2. Mama will ALWAYS find out.
Small towns have big eyes. If you get caught doing something you aren't supposed to, your parents will always find out before you get home. You have eyes on you at all times, even when you're looking over your shoulder.
My mom gave me this advice when I was 15: "I may not find out today or tomorrow, maybe not even a month or a year later. But I WILL find out."
Three years later, that advice still rings loud and clear.
3. Southern livin' is cheaper.
You can get paid a little over minimum wage and be comfortable. But if you travel to bigger cities, you can easily notice a difference in the prices at Walmart and CVS. Even chain restaurants will be priced differently.
4. "Want to go to Sonic?"
The popular hangout spot for high schoolers in a small town is Sonic. Ours happens to be in the middle of town, right off of the main highway. You will always see an undercover cop sitting there, waiting for someone to get out of hand.
Late summer nights are usually spent sitting in the parking lot of our beloved Sonic.
5. You know everyone's folks.
Networking in a small town is super easy. You will know your future employer, and you'll see them at school or at your house because your parents are friends with them. In such a tight-knit community, everyone knows everyone. And sometimes, it isn't a bad thing.
