Do you suppose that being raised in a small town makes you different than someone who’s raised in the city regardless of where you live as an adult? Soon To Be Mr Ex told me the other evening that I was “too small town”. I’ll admit it, I do have some quirks (I think they are part of my charm, LOL) and when they come out I joke, that it’s the small town girl in me. The thing is anyone from a small town can relate to these quirks where perhaps someone from a city cannot. Yes, I worry about how things look, what people think, and I’ve been known to get caught up in gossip more times than I can count. But, I would also argue that there are extremely positive things that I attribute to being raised in a small town too… I am close to my immediate family – I speak with them multiple times a week and even have fairly regular contact with my extended family too (gasp!!) I am friendly and trusting – I will speak to people on the street, wave to acquaintances, and until I went to college had never worried about locking my doors… yes, I’ve even been known to leave the car running as I jet into the grocery store or post office! I have conservative values – I believe in family time, dinners together, traditions, and prayer. Not to mention all the random things I’ve learned from growing up in a small town… I know how to drive on gravel, ride a horse (thanks Blm Family #2 for teaching me), what all four H’s in 4H stand for, and I can “make do” when a recipes calls for something I don’t have and the grocery store is already closed! By no means am I implying that if you’re from the city you don’t have these “small town” charms, but in the case of Soon To Be Mr. Ex, he did not.
Although I am not entirely sure what being “too Small Town” means, I am a small town girl at heart and that’s okay with me. Not long after all of this began, when I was trying to sort it out and for the life of me could not understand how someone would walk away from a seven year marriage without a second thought, my aunt said to me, “He’s from the city, he’s not small town – he doesn’t think like us.” The thing is, she was right ~ way to call it SJ!
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Being small town makes you care.....you don't just gossip about someones troubles, you ask cause you really care. I've always heard it said that 'everybody in a small town knows everbody elses business". That may be true, but we're also the first ones to be there when "everybody else" needs help. People care for and cry with you just because they know your family and empathy runs deep. Being small town is a good thing and we're glad you are one of us. Love Blm Mom 2
ReplyDeleteI am from a small town and I wouldn't trade my life for anyone elses. Growing up the way I did made me who I am, and I love who I am and where I am. God made me and loves me just the way I am. I think you are quite happy with you too.
ReplyDeleteSmall town people have there own way of doing things. We have a desire to do the right thing, and are the first one there for a neighbor in need. We care to know our neighbors.
The other day I had to sit on the side of the road for about five minutes while waiting for a friend. A young gentleman stopped to see if I needed help. I told him why I was there and blessed him for stopping. I can't say that wouldn't have happened in a big city, I'm just sayin' it DOES happen where I come from! That means A LOT to me! Sad thing is, they don't think like us, they think we are missing out! :)
Well, what can I say.. he proved himself "city boy".
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion "city" people just never get enough. They are always looking for more. A better job, a better wife, a better place to shop...
They aren't able to function with just one movie theater-- cuz they need choices. They don't share our values.
I'm not saying ALL city people are that way---just the majority of those whom I've met. They just leave you shaking your head -- feeling sorry for them that they don't know what it's like to have to call a neighbor to borrow sugar, to not wave at every vehicle you meet... not cuz you're friendly- but because you really knew them all. To not know all the kids in your class by knowing their families.
I don't think at all you should feel bad for being "small town"... you know who you are! He does not! He's still looking!
SJ
I went from a small town of less than 1000 to Denver, Colorado. I miss the small town. I miss knowing everyone, and being able to leave your car unlocked (even running, as you said), to knowing everyone's business. We moved into the house where my parents live now in 89, and people, to this day, still refer to it as "the Easter place," and they lived in the house years before us... with another family in between. My favorite thing about "being small town" is the finger wave. My sister calls me and tells me whenever she gets that wave. People just aren't that friendly in the big city!
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