I was born and raised in a town with less than 2,000 people. A town where everyone truly does know everybody (I'm seriously not exaggerating). My high school graduating class was less than 100 students -- and it was the only school in the entire town. It truly doesn't get much smaller than the town I grew up in and the surrounding areas. After moving to Tallahassee about a year and a half ago for school, I realized how different my upbringing was from most others.
Those of us who grew up like this know it's nothing like what Hallmark and other movies try and portray it as -- but that's not a bad thing. If you truly grew up in a small town you'll be able to relate to these thirty-three things.
1. You don't eat out a lot.
But when you do, it's ALWAYS the same restaurant that everyone goes to and you end up spending hours there because you have to talk to everyone.
2. There are more churches than restaurants.
I didn't need food that much anyway.
3. You went to kindergarten with the same group of 50 you graduated high school with.
Everyone knows each other and each other's business.
4. You spend your "free time" working on your farm.
... Or someone else's.
5. Your idea of a night out on the town is sitting on the bed of trucks in Walmart parking lots blaring music until curfew.
This is our version of going to the club.
6. There's that one sweet old lady that everyone calls "Aunt _____", but she isn't actually anyone's aunt.
We are all family.
7. You can't do anything without the entire town (including your parents) knowing about it by the end of the business day.
I can't sneeze without my neighbors knowing I did it.
8. High school sports are NO JOKE.
Everyone in the entire town will be in the stands on Friday nights cheering on the mediocre football team.
9. You've actually seen someone drive a tractor to school.
It's more common than you think.
10. FFA is a religion.
Agriculture is life.
11. There are more trucks than cars.
I'm sure you can relate.
12. A trip to Walmart takes several hours because of all the people that you see and have to talk to.
13. You have to drive at least an hour to go see a movie.
This also means leaving way in advance.
14. You have to drive at least an hour to find a mall.
Once again... prepare and leave early.
15. You don't have WiFi.
It's impossible for you to get connection and everyone you meet outside of your town thinks it's absurd.
16. You've probably dated one of your friend's exes.
Sadly, there just aren't that many people to choose from.
17. You were driving four-wheelers and other ATVs before you turned 13.
Life skills, am I right?
18. You learned how to drive in someone's work truck in a field.
We all have to learn somehow.
19. A tractor has made you late for school.
Try telling your school this and see if they allow it as an excuse.
20. You understand what number 19 means.
Sorry to those who don't get it.
21. You have THE camouflage jacket or
or Carhartt jacket.
22. A date is going to McDonald's for ice cream.
Because there isn't much else to do.
23. Your high school math teacher was also your dad's high school math teacher.
It all stays the same.
24. There are more cows than people.
This might explain my social skills...
25. You can identify more vegetables or animal breeds than you can designers.
And you like it like that.
26. Everybody truly does know everything about everybody.
Once again, we are just one big family.
27. Most people in your town would do anything for you.
It's the beauty of everyone know everyone.
28. You're not scared being alone after dark.
We all help each other.
29. If your car won't start after school, you're going to have a group of at least 5 people trying to help you.
And they'll get your car running better than before.
30. Any and all festivals that your town has are guaranteed to be HUGE and incredibly fun.
The whole town looks forward to these.
31. High school homecoming is a BIG DEAL to everyone in the community.
There still isn't much else to do.
32. You always feel so loved.
One. Big. Family.
33. You wouldn't trade your small town for anything.
It's my home.
