There are two types of people in the world: those who grew up in a small town and those who grew up in a big city. You can tell the difference between the two from the moment you set your eye on them. The way that they were brought up shines right through them; through their clothes, mannerisms, and all-around personality. I am fortunate to have grown up in a small town, and I hope that it shows. Here is why:
1. You can drive through town in a matter of 15 minutes. Because town is so small, you can get to your friend’s house on the complete other side of town in a quarter of an hour. There is no traffic, no public transportation to worry about, and you never have to worry about being late.
2. You’ve known your friends since you were babies. Chances are, your parents went to high school together, stayed friends after college, and are still friends. You have been friends for as long as you can remember and will probably be friends for the rest of your lives.
3. You have a favorite restaurant where the wait staff knows you. They know your order by heart and where you like to sit. Sometimes, they have your food prepared for you from the moment you walk in the door. You never have to worry about your order being wrong or your name spelled wrong on your drink cup.
4. You can walk down the street and never feel alone. Chances are, you know the people you walk by or the family driving by you in their car. You always have someone to talk to and someone to make you feel safe.
5. Everyone knows what everyone is doing. There is no need for awkward “how and what are you doing” conversations, because everyone keeps up with everyone. Instead, you have an endless amount of cheerleaders and people wishing you well.
I am so thankful that I grew up in a small town. I learned the importance of talking to people from knowing everyone in the grocery store or at a restaurant. I never felt alone and never felt like I was in harm's way. I grew up being able to walk down the street alone and keep the doors and windows unlocked. My parents never worried about where I was going, because they knew who and where everything was. I wouldn’t change my small town for anything; it made me who I am today, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
