I am from Pass Christian, Mississippi, a quaint beach town on the Gulf Coast. There, you'll find local shops and boutiques, family-owned restaurants, a yacht club with lots of boats and specialty seafood meals, gorgeous homes lining Scenic Drive, and a beautiful beach. On the weekends, activities include fishing, relaxing on the beach, boating, and spending time with good friends and family in town over delicious food. It's a slow-paced, stress-free way of life where every day is like a vacation. The small population of people is what makes the town so special. In my home town, everyone knows each other, and would do anything for their neighbor. In 2005, Pass Christian and the surrounding cities were ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, but the coast has since bounced back, and I would say that it is better than ever now. I'll admit, growing up in Pass Christian, I never appreciated it. Since I've moved away though, I have a new found love for my home town, and am so happy with how it has shaped me into the young woman that I am today. I love visiting my cute little town, and am so proud to tell people where I am from. Here are some things that characterize small town life.
1. You went to school with the same people your entire life
I have been in school with pretty much the same group of people since preschool. With limited options on where to attend school, it wasn't uncommon for you to go to pre school and elementary school together, then make the transition from middle school to high school with that same group. This wasn't a bad thing at all! I am so thankful for the strong relationships that I have built with my best friends, and all of the great memories that we share. I have since chosen my own route for college, but I will never forget my wonderful hometown friends. We still keep in touch, and I know that they are always there when college life gets stressful.
2. You literally know everyone in town
It is impossible to go anywhere without seeing at least five people that you know. Most of these people have known you since you were born, and know your entire life story. It is such a comfort knowing that there will undoubtedly be someone you know on every corner.
3. Your idea of fun on a Friday night was attending a high school football game, followed by Waffle House
If you weren't going to your high school's Friday night football game, then what were you doing? Afterwards, you could bet that everyone would be at the local Waffle House for late night waffles and hash browns.
4. You go to the same restaurants every weekend
There's only so many restaurants that you can eat at in a small town. Soon enough, you knew the menu and the accompanying prices by heart (including tax).
5. Get togethers were always held in someone's backyard
Backyards were always the best places to hang out with friends. Not to mention, beach bonfires were always fun. Also, parties in the middle of the woods or on an empty lot were a thing.
6. You went through 2 tanks of gas a week just to get anywhere
Although it is small, businesses, restaurants, your school, and friends houses are so spread out.
7. Your business is everyone else's business
It wasn't long before everyone knew what happened that weekend, or the latest news, good or bad. Secrets cannot exist because word gets around quickly!
8. Driving around in the car with your best friends blasting your favorite songs was your favorite past time
Bored? Get in the car, roll down the windows, crank up Spotify, and sing at the top of your lungs.
9. Whole Foods? Fresh Market? No, we have Walmart
Fancy or specialty food stores? Those don't exist. Try Walmart or Rouses.
10. You always wished that Starbucks wasn't 30 minutes away
It was always a struggle. If you desperately wanted a grande iced caramel macchiato, you had to drive 30 minutes two cities over.
Although living in a small town was sometimes a struggle, I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else. My hometown is such a unique place and I am so happy that I have such a great home to return to whenever I please.
