I have lived in the same city for the last 13 years, visited the same grocery store the last 13 years, inhabited the same brown house on the corner for the last 13 years, and have lived within walking distance former classmates and teachers for, you guessed it, the last 13 years. The list could literally go on and on. Living in the same place for such a long time is both annoying and wonderful and sometimes I wonder if the pros outweigh the cons. I would like to highlight the things that have happened and the uniques situations I have found myself because of it. It's been great.
1. The "Run-Ins"
Taking a step outside opens the door to you running into everyone and their mother. You are literally opening yourself up to questions and speculation. It can be good if you haven't seen a friend in a while and want to catch up, but that is hardly the case. It is normally peeps coming home from college for breaks. It is like a unplanned high school reunion with former classmates and teachers.
2. Being unresponsive
If someone texts you, you probs should just send a quick reply. If not, you might find yourself running into that person and will have to answer in person. What would you rather do? I guess it is the same if someone doesn't reply to you, you can catch them outside...
3. The high school stud
Yeah, you better believe you'll see that adorable high school hunk in line behind you at Chipotle. Of course, he'll be with his fab girlfriend, but it's kind of sweet to see who ends up together. Smile and wave. Or don't and brace your delicate heart.
4. Seeing the cool 3rd grade teacher
Yes, the sweet lady that gave out candy and A+'s to all her students. Also, the same teacher that took the time to get to know your parents and says "hi" to you every time you see her at Walmart.
5. Seeing the not cool 6th-grade teacher
Yep, that rude teacher that never cracked a smile and threw around lunch detentions like confetti.
6. Siblings going to the same schools.
Living in the same place makes way for your younger siblings to attend the same schools and have the same teachers you did. This could be either good or really bad. Having teachers comment kindly on having me in class is cool, but they go so far as subjecting my siblings to a comparison. Get out of here meanie.
7. Driving familiar streets
Driving within 5 miles of your house you can expect to see neighbors on the road. Which translates to: drive the speed limit, use your blinker, don't cut anybody off, and if you get cut off don't honk. Oh, and if the car behind you has his high beams beaming in your rearview mirror kindly move over. It could be your teacher, the principal, your manager, your mother, or your "almost" bf. You also have memorized all the speed limits, not saying that you follow them, but you never know.
8. "You still don't have your life together??"
Because people are so kind, they ask questions that make you question and compare your current season of life. Sorry not sorry I don't have my fitness goals met, that my hair and make up are not "poppin", or that I haven't traveled the world. The most annoying thing is to hear people compare you to others or try to make your life close to home somehow less than. Just because I live close to home and bask in the same scenery, does not mean I have not lived.
If you currently live at home or simply have lived in the same area for a while, do not let anyone look down on you for it. Also, don't be afraid to step outside in sweats and sloppy hair. You are human, act like it. Embrace where you live and where God has you because it's the best place for you.
