Everything you’ve seen on TV and in movies about small town life is very real. From gossip in the line at the grocery store to everyone seeming to know everyone, the cliche doesn’t fall far from the tree. Small town charm doesn't apply to everyone, especially when you’re the new kid on the block.

1. Public Staring Contests

In a place where people have been seeing the same faces for years, people from ‘round the town tend to notice when there’s a new kid in town. They’re used to 'Jenny from the block,' but you might be Jenny from out of state. If you walk into one of the many bars in town everyone seems to look up from their bar stool to check out the fresh meat.

2. Conversations You’re Never A Part Of

When you do get out and about, you often find yourself in the middle of conversations that clearly aren’t meant for you. For example, you might be waiting in line at the grocery store and everyone in line seems to be talking about the latest town gossip. Either that or they’re discussing the snacks they're going to be putting out for the football game that everyone seems to watch religiously. No matter what the conversation is, it does not involve you.

3. Town Gatherings Aren’t Very Fun

Small town life isn't the most exhilarating life out there, so you may find yourself in a deep pit of boredom from time to time. That’s when you decide to go to “customer appreciation night” at the aforementioned local joint to hang out with your new neighbors. When you get there the staring starts, and suddenly you’re motivated to find the table far away from the people you don’t know. It’s okay, though, because just like number two, they’re all talking about things that have nothing to do with you.

4. Silent Judgements

Everywhere you go there’s an elephant in the room, and it’s you. The stares are loaded with a “you’re not from around here” vibe, but nobody says it. However, if you happen to mention you’re not from around here no one is surprised. They probably heard about the new family in town. It’s entirely possible that they know about you than you know about yourself.

5. Funky Fre$h

While being the new kid in school isn’t always the jam, it isn’t always a bad thing. A lot of people find ease in not having to make small talk at the grocery store with the same person you’ve seen at least once a week every day of your life. There’s no pressure to keep up with the town gossip, because that’s just toxic anyway, right? Besides, it’s kind of fun being a fresh face in a town that doesn’t get very many. Even though you’re not from around here, no one is going to be mean to you. At least not to your face. When you do decide to be social, and branch out most people greet you with a smile that’ll charm the pants off of any big city. It’s all about adjustment. Plus, every time you get to go to the big city next door it’s just as exciting as Christmas morning.