Experience with small towns?
December 9, 2004 1:34 PM Subscribe
what is your experience with small towns? [mi]
i grew up in toronto (big city), went to guelph for university (small city), and am right now living with my parents where they have moved to retire in a small town which will remain unnamed.
what i have experienced is completely the opposite of what i expected. mainly what im talking about is customer service, as this is the main opportunity for me to come in contact with the people of this town. i expected the stereotype of a close knit community where everyone looks after one-another. besides, if you were a complete jerk to your customers, everyone in town would know about it.
i expected things to be a little backwards, because its kind of a bastardised consumer culture. so im not surprised when people are terrible at emulating cafes and computer shops and other things that are city inventions.
but i am shocked at the amount of rudeness i have recieved from the store owners, where in real life i have a persona of not hurting a fly, compared to my 'wrath of GleepGlop' persona online. The only thing i can think of is that i definitely look like a city boy and maybe there is some resentment, but i just dont think thats it because the 2 rudest people i have met are running the local computer shop so that would be hypocrisy. i have a feeling the infrastructure has a lot to do with it. i would totally be expecting surlyness if this were a remote mining town, but there is actually comparably a lot to do in this town.
the other reason im asking this is because i really want to tell this computer shop to lick the balls, but i have no experience with what kind of repercussions that can have in a small town dynamic. (population about 10,000 in the municipality).
so what is your experience with this kind of thing? so again, i always took the city people as surly and assumed the small town people were angels, but thinking back the people in the city are angels compared to these people. im asking because im starting to feel that this is not just a coincidence of a few bad apples.
thx
i grew up in toronto (big city), went to guelph for university (small city), and am right now living with my parents where they have moved to retire in a small town which will remain unnamed.
what i have experienced is completely the opposite of what i expected. mainly what im talking about is customer service, as this is the main opportunity for me to come in contact with the people of this town. i expected the stereotype of a close knit community where everyone looks after one-another. besides, if you were a complete jerk to your customers, everyone in town would know about it.
i expected things to be a little backwards, because its kind of a bastardised consumer culture. so im not surprised when people are terrible at emulating cafes and computer shops and other things that are city inventions.
but i am shocked at the amount of rudeness i have recieved from the store owners, where in real life i have a persona of not hurting a fly, compared to my 'wrath of GleepGlop' persona online. The only thing i can think of is that i definitely look like a city boy and maybe there is some resentment, but i just dont think thats it because the 2 rudest people i have met are running the local computer shop so that would be hypocrisy. i have a feeling the infrastructure has a lot to do with it. i would totally be expecting surlyness if this were a remote mining town, but there is actually comparably a lot to do in this town.
the other reason im asking this is because i really want to tell this computer shop to lick the balls, but i have no experience with what kind of repercussions that can have in a small town dynamic. (population about 10,000 in the municipality).
so what is your experience with this kind of thing? so again, i always took the city people as surly and assumed the small town people were angels, but thinking back the people in the city are angels compared to these people. im asking because im starting to feel that this is not just a coincidence of a few bad apples.
thx
Mostly being run out of them, thanks for asking.
posted by lumpenprole at 1:49 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by lumpenprole at 1:49 PM on December 9, 2004
It's been my experience that small towns and big cities both have their share of angels and assholes, and it's impossible to generalize about the character of a person based solely on the total population of the town they live in. It might be possible to generalize about larger regions: Folks in Minnesota are generally nicer to strangers that folks in New York. But even then you're going to run into tons of exceptions. Ce la vie.
Off topic, it's also been my experience that using the shift key and punctuation helps facilitate clear and effective communication.
posted by bonheur at 1:51 PM on December 9, 2004
Off topic, it's also been my experience that using the shift key and punctuation helps facilitate clear and effective communication.
posted by bonheur at 1:51 PM on December 9, 2004
Depends on the town. If it's a community that's open-minded and freindly, small-town life can be very refreshing in it's coziness and familiar feeling. If it's a town full of small minded people, it can be downright suffocating.
posted by jonmc at 1:51 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by jonmc at 1:51 PM on December 9, 2004
Are you being condescending to them, because they're small town computer guys that you'd assume are 5 years behind? Come on, be honest. Maybe even slightly?
I do this inside my head every time I go to a small town. I'm really sorry about it, and I'm nice to the locals (who by the way are very nice back to answer your question), but I can't help to wonder if the snobby jokes that just pop in my head ("Yes I need some Roberto Cavalli jeans for tonight, is that just past your Nascar sweatshirt selection?" and "Why's all your wine in boxes?") somehow show on my facial expressions. I have a feeling that might be happening to you.
Or even more so, maybe no matter where you go individuals will defy the prejudging we give them?
posted by geoff. at 1:53 PM on December 9, 2004
I do this inside my head every time I go to a small town. I'm really sorry about it, and I'm nice to the locals (who by the way are very nice back to answer your question), but I can't help to wonder if the snobby jokes that just pop in my head ("Yes I need some Roberto Cavalli jeans for tonight, is that just past your Nascar sweatshirt selection?" and "Why's all your wine in boxes?") somehow show on my facial expressions. I have a feeling that might be happening to you.
Or even more so, maybe no matter where you go individuals will defy the prejudging we give them?
posted by geoff. at 1:53 PM on December 9, 2004
I live in a small town, population 1,500, and I can see where you're coming from. Customer service has a whole 'nother dynamic out here, and people expecting a certain standard of promptness, efficiency or professionalism are going to be disappointed. (I once waited 25 minutes at a bakery while only eight people ahead of me were served: slow doesn't begin to describe. And once my doctor simply took her phone off the hook when her assistant called in sick. Nobody has answering machines!)
A lot of this, I suspect, has to do with the fact that a lot of businesses here are family-owned -- the clerk you think is rude is the owner or the owner's wife -- and don't necessarily have a lot of competition to keep them on their toes. Still, I think a lot of the rudeness is perceived rather than real: it clashes with our expectations, which we learned somewhere else.
You came there expecting that "small town people were angels". That's an ideal; reality can never match that. No wonder you're disappointed. People in small towns can be damn friendly, but they can also be really, really close-knit (extended families -- beware of starting feuds with one person: you never know who he's related to!) and a little suspicious of outsiders, especially if, as in the case in my region, there isn't a lot of in-migration.
posted by mcwetboy at 2:00 PM on December 9, 2004 [1 favorite]
A lot of this, I suspect, has to do with the fact that a lot of businesses here are family-owned -- the clerk you think is rude is the owner or the owner's wife -- and don't necessarily have a lot of competition to keep them on their toes. Still, I think a lot of the rudeness is perceived rather than real: it clashes with our expectations, which we learned somewhere else.
You came there expecting that "small town people were angels". That's an ideal; reality can never match that. No wonder you're disappointed. People in small towns can be damn friendly, but they can also be really, really close-knit (extended families -- beware of starting feuds with one person: you never know who he's related to!) and a little suspicious of outsiders, especially if, as in the case in my region, there isn't a lot of in-migration.
posted by mcwetboy at 2:00 PM on December 9, 2004 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: You're right bonheur, im too used to instant messenging, where if i were to use puntuation i would get beat up.
If you dont want to be politically correct, i wont tell anyone. Political correctness sometimes interferes with the communication of ideas. Theres a place for it, but not here... Not now... Not at a time like this!!!
posted by GleepGlop at 2:00 PM on December 9, 2004
If you dont want to be politically correct, i wont tell anyone. Political correctness sometimes interferes with the communication of ideas. Theres a place for it, but not here... Not now... Not at a time like this!!!
posted by GleepGlop at 2:00 PM on December 9, 2004
Response by poster: its not just me, my whole family has been noticing this. youre right, some of it is not them being purposefully rude but thats what we take it as. like making us stand there while they chat with their friends. i dont think theyre doing it on purpose. like you said wetboy, its a whole nother dynamic out here.
i didnt see it as that they have the market cornered, ive been seeing it as: if they are the only game in town, all somone has to do is open up shop across the street and not be a jerk, and theyll get all the business.
man this really bums me out. makes me even more unimpressed with western culture.
posted by GleepGlop at 2:08 PM on December 9, 2004
i didnt see it as that they have the market cornered, ive been seeing it as: if they are the only game in town, all somone has to do is open up shop across the street and not be a jerk, and theyll get all the business.
man this really bums me out. makes me even more unimpressed with western culture.
posted by GleepGlop at 2:08 PM on December 9, 2004
MrMoonPie said it: In the small towns, merchants know they have a captive audience. Don't like waiting three hours at the dermatologist? Too bad! Where else you gonna go?
I am a Big City Type and I am used to having options: if I get crappy service, I simply take my business elsewhere.
While vacationing in Canmore, Alberta (which is a beautiful place to be, by the way) I discovered there was basically only one shuttle service back to the Calgary airport: Rocky Mountain Sky Shuttle. They were 45 minutes late picking us up. No one apologized. We ended up missing our flight home.
Had this been a bigger town, I would have simply called another shuttle service and we would have made that flight.
On preview: I do expect "a certain standard of promptness, efficiency or professionalism." I try to live and shop in places that can meet those expectations.
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 2:18 PM on December 9, 2004
I am a Big City Type and I am used to having options: if I get crappy service, I simply take my business elsewhere.
While vacationing in Canmore, Alberta (which is a beautiful place to be, by the way) I discovered there was basically only one shuttle service back to the Calgary airport: Rocky Mountain Sky Shuttle. They were 45 minutes late picking us up. No one apologized. We ended up missing our flight home.
Had this been a bigger town, I would have simply called another shuttle service and we would have made that flight.
On preview: I do expect "a certain standard of promptness, efficiency or professionalism." I try to live and shop in places that can meet those expectations.
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 2:18 PM on December 9, 2004
I grew up in a small town and recently lived there again between cities. I kind-of had the same experience, but with more laziness and stupidity and less outright rudeness.
I call it the "Give a Sh*t Factor." If you grew up there and you had even the tiniest spark of ambition, interest, or smarts, you hit the road two hours west to the city, thus draining the small town of pretty much everybody but the living dead.
It was fine, I just learned a lot of patience, but it could be trying. And yes, they probably thought I was a terrible snot - after all, what in the world could I be in such a hurry for? We all had the same nothing to do that night, might as well find out how the grocery store clerk's high school prom went.
posted by pomegranate at 2:19 PM on December 9, 2004 [1 favorite]
I call it the "Give a Sh*t Factor." If you grew up there and you had even the tiniest spark of ambition, interest, or smarts, you hit the road two hours west to the city, thus draining the small town of pretty much everybody but the living dead.
It was fine, I just learned a lot of patience, but it could be trying. And yes, they probably thought I was a terrible snot - after all, what in the world could I be in such a hurry for? We all had the same nothing to do that night, might as well find out how the grocery store clerk's high school prom went.
posted by pomegranate at 2:19 PM on December 9, 2004 [1 favorite]
gtg to work, bbl
I'll say it before somebody else does, with more vinegar: don't use instant messaging abbreviations like that around here unless you crave abuse. Seriously, it's asking for trouble.
posted by clever sheep at 2:20 PM on December 9, 2004
I'll say it before somebody else does, with more vinegar: don't use instant messaging abbreviations like that around here unless you crave abuse. Seriously, it's asking for trouble.
posted by clever sheep at 2:20 PM on December 9, 2004
What I originally dropped into the thread to say: you might find that the longer you stay in a small town, the kindlier you are treated, so the situation might improve with time.
Also, if you're stuck where you are for a while, you might as well launch a minor charm offensive and make an effort to be outgoing and positive and chipper during your next X visits to the offending proprietor's place of business. If they don't respond, well, you're none the poorer for trying.
posted by clever sheep at 2:29 PM on December 9, 2004
Also, if you're stuck where you are for a while, you might as well launch a minor charm offensive and make an effort to be outgoing and positive and chipper during your next X visits to the offending proprietor's place of business. If they don't respond, well, you're none the poorer for trying.
posted by clever sheep at 2:29 PM on December 9, 2004
GleepGlop- Perhaps the merchants are MeFites and are well aware of your "'wrath of GleepGlop' persona online". Just sayin'.
posted by Doohickie at 2:53 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by Doohickie at 2:53 PM on December 9, 2004
I'll start by saying that my experience with small towns is in towns much smaller than the one you describe.
It's entirely possible that you're less than kind to your small town acquaintances and they're reacting to it. I sense a goodly amount of misplaced expectation and big city hostility in what you've written here.
It's also entirely possible that you're a stranger and an outsider, and thus, while they do take care of their own, you don't belong to them yet.
It is further possible that you're misinterpreting some small town behaviour as rude, where others around you don't view it the same way.
And finally, it is possible that you live in a town full of jerks.
posted by jacquilynne at 2:54 PM on December 9, 2004
It's entirely possible that you're less than kind to your small town acquaintances and they're reacting to it. I sense a goodly amount of misplaced expectation and big city hostility in what you've written here.
It's also entirely possible that you're a stranger and an outsider, and thus, while they do take care of their own, you don't belong to them yet.
It is further possible that you're misinterpreting some small town behaviour as rude, where others around you don't view it the same way.
And finally, it is possible that you live in a town full of jerks.
posted by jacquilynne at 2:54 PM on December 9, 2004
pomegranate is spot-on. Almost my experience exactly.
posted by Mayor Curley at 2:55 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by Mayor Curley at 2:55 PM on December 9, 2004
I've been told by newcomers that people in my town are snotty, rude, self-obsessed, you name it. What we really are is private. No one will stick their nose in your business, and people tend to keep to themselves. That means leaving you alone, not catching your eye and shouting "Hi!" at everyone we meet. We think it's just being considerate.
Maybe the people in your new town are the same?
posted by cali at 3:41 PM on December 9, 2004
Maybe the people in your new town are the same?
posted by cali at 3:41 PM on December 9, 2004
Clever sheet has the best plan. It worked like a charm where I was, even with my big ol' lesbian lover in tow.
posted by pomegranate at 3:51 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by pomegranate at 3:51 PM on December 9, 2004
I grew up in small town ontario; I commuted to school in one of the TO satellites (newmarket) and I now live in montreal. I think what you're experiencing is simply being new; when I'm home and I go to the grocery store, I know all the cashiers because we went to high school together. (I also go home after and cry because everybody I went to high school with seems to work in a grocery store, but maybe that's a different thread) and it's similar in most other businesses.
The "backwards" thing really doesn't seem to fly, anymore; everybody has the same TV channels, ignores the same books, etc. A small town is more a microcosm, now; and while in general you aren't going to see as many urbane hipsters, that's more just because urbane hipsters gravitate towards urban centers.
Small towns then attract a very particular sort of individual, in general; the sense of community is there, you just aren't really a part of it. I think the simplest thing you can do is just be a super beaming nice guy; be courteous, patient, generally friendly etc. People tend to respond in kind; and if you really do look out of place (not hard, I guess) then that's something you might want to look at, too. Pretension is the bane of the small town mentality, in my experience.
Also I'm super interested in hearing where you are... I'm far more familiar with rural ontario than I'm frankly comfortable admitting.
And yeah, there are certainly small town assholes. etc.
posted by cmyr at 4:02 PM on December 9, 2004
The "backwards" thing really doesn't seem to fly, anymore; everybody has the same TV channels, ignores the same books, etc. A small town is more a microcosm, now; and while in general you aren't going to see as many urbane hipsters, that's more just because urbane hipsters gravitate towards urban centers.
Small towns then attract a very particular sort of individual, in general; the sense of community is there, you just aren't really a part of it. I think the simplest thing you can do is just be a super beaming nice guy; be courteous, patient, generally friendly etc. People tend to respond in kind; and if you really do look out of place (not hard, I guess) then that's something you might want to look at, too. Pretension is the bane of the small town mentality, in my experience.
Also I'm super interested in hearing where you are... I'm far more familiar with rural ontario than I'm frankly comfortable admitting.
And yeah, there are certainly small town assholes. etc.
posted by cmyr at 4:02 PM on December 9, 2004
There are different kinds of small towns, and I don't think you can generalize among them. It all boils down to one question: is it a place where the young people who can leave, do? Or is it the kind of place where those people who can leave, go? If its the former, it will be a town filled with people who were not able to go somewhere else, not a great population.
posted by rtimmel at 4:20 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by rtimmel at 4:20 PM on December 9, 2004
Moving to this small town is Kind of like being new to MetaFilter, no?
posted by caddis at 5:30 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by caddis at 5:30 PM on December 9, 2004
I think caddis has nailed it. It takes a while to meet people and to feel comfortable in a new place--and it takes even longer in a small town. Three years ago I graduated from school and moved back to my hometown (pop. 5,542 in a rural area) to start a career. It took me a long time to find my niche and be happy socially, even though I'm from here and know most people. I'm still not satisfied 100% of the time, but I don't regret the choice I made to return to the country. You have to make more of an effort to find people and activities that are intellectually stimulating in smaller towns, but you can find some hidden gems. It's easy to be irritated with others when you're frustrated and lonely, but don't burn any bridges--I think you should give the guys at the computer store another chance.
posted by greasy_skillet at 7:00 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by greasy_skillet at 7:00 PM on December 9, 2004
Response by poster: thanks for the input, peeps. kind of as i guessed, the spectrum of experiences and opinions. maybe it would be more productive if we imagined we were talking about an imaginary person who doesnt do anything to make people rude to him, instead of me. Then under that assumption we can continue.
i understand the idea of a smaller town being more geared towards a slower pace of life, and therefore there should be no reason to hold that phone conversation and attend to your customers... it makes me scratch my head, but i wasnt raised in a small town so who knows.
and ultimately that doesnt bother me. i notice that its strange, but it doesnt bother me. i let most things roll off. i know what its like to work a shitty job, this person is stuck here for 8 hours i should give them a break.
but what got me asking just what is going on in this town, was when people would be incompetent at what they were doing by 'city' standards, but then on top of that be arrogant to their customers.
actually im having a flashback, i think all of the times i have recieved rudeness was when it was becoming clear that i knew more about what i was asking about than the merchant. ok. but still, im polite about it, and you would think if someone was being polite and patient with someone regarding something that this person sells for a living, you would think that instead of getting rude about it they would appreciate the learning opportunity. what is that.
forget psychology, i just dont think im down with living in a small town. i wanted to find out that they were actually good, but screw it man, lifes too short to grow old and die in this shithole. population sprawl is killing our planet anyway. we should all get in some urban centers and give the rest back to the animals.
posted by GleepGlop at 7:44 PM on December 9, 2004
i understand the idea of a smaller town being more geared towards a slower pace of life, and therefore there should be no reason to hold that phone conversation and attend to your customers... it makes me scratch my head, but i wasnt raised in a small town so who knows.
and ultimately that doesnt bother me. i notice that its strange, but it doesnt bother me. i let most things roll off. i know what its like to work a shitty job, this person is stuck here for 8 hours i should give them a break.
but what got me asking just what is going on in this town, was when people would be incompetent at what they were doing by 'city' standards, but then on top of that be arrogant to their customers.
actually im having a flashback, i think all of the times i have recieved rudeness was when it was becoming clear that i knew more about what i was asking about than the merchant. ok. but still, im polite about it, and you would think if someone was being polite and patient with someone regarding something that this person sells for a living, you would think that instead of getting rude about it they would appreciate the learning opportunity. what is that.
forget psychology, i just dont think im down with living in a small town. i wanted to find out that they were actually good, but screw it man, lifes too short to grow old and die in this shithole. population sprawl is killing our planet anyway. we should all get in some urban centers and give the rest back to the animals.
posted by GleepGlop at 7:44 PM on December 9, 2004
GG, go back and read geoff's post above. Then remember the countless posts over the past few days where people have suggested that your refusal to use punctuation, etc. might be a little insulting to people on MeFi. You pretty much ignored them. Perhaps you are too cool to listen. Then perhaps you might think about whether you are too cool to fit in to your new town? Case in point: "you would think that instead of getting rude about it they would appreciate the learning opportunity." You look down your nose at them as some small town hicks and then wonder why they don't accept you with open arms? Get a clue.
posted by caddis at 8:28 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by caddis at 8:28 PM on December 9, 2004
Right on caddis. GleepGlop, if that's really how you feel, then what's stopping you? Seriously, if you are more comfortable in the city then you should live there. One of the stereotypes of small towns is closed-mindedness, but sheesh, look in the mirror.
posted by Eekacat at 8:59 PM on December 9, 2004
posted by Eekacat at 8:59 PM on December 9, 2004
GleepGlop: actually im having a flashback, i think all of the times i have recieved rudeness was when it was becoming clear that i knew more about what i was asking about than the merchant. ok. but still, im polite about it, and you would think if someone was being polite and patient with someone regarding something that this person sells for a living, you would think that instead of getting rude about it they would appreciate the learning opportunity. what is that.
geoff: Are you being condescending to them, because they're small town computer guys that you'd assume are 5 years behind? Come on, be honest. Maybe even slightly?
While I agree with pomegranate's take I think the answer to your particular problem has more to do with what geoff and caddis touched on.
And what clever sheep said, too.
On preview: you are not sorry. If you were sorry you would have taken the time to correctly puntuate that two word response. This is not instant messaging and it takes steps to make a post. You are thumbing your nose at a community that you wish to be a member in good standing of and even those responding to a request for advice made by you. Rudeness gets as rudeness gives.
Good luck.
posted by geekyguy at 9:13 PM on December 9, 2004
geoff: Are you being condescending to them, because they're small town computer guys that you'd assume are 5 years behind? Come on, be honest. Maybe even slightly?
While I agree with pomegranate's take I think the answer to your particular problem has more to do with what geoff and caddis touched on.
And what clever sheep said, too.
On preview: you are not sorry. If you were sorry you would have taken the time to correctly puntuate that two word response. This is not instant messaging and it takes steps to make a post. You are thumbing your nose at a community that you wish to be a member in good standing of and even those responding to a request for advice made by you. Rudeness gets as rudeness gives.
Good luck.
posted by geekyguy at 9:13 PM on December 9, 2004
The problem with small towns is exactly the benefit of small towns. With small towns, people like to get into each other's business because 1. Gossip is king when news is nigh, and 2. Self-interest. If you live a mile away from your nearest neighbor, you want them stopping by every so often unannounced. You want them to check up on you and make sure you haven't been dismembered or something.
In big cities, where people live on top of each other, people respect privacy far, far more. The line of thinking is, "Yes, I can hear you having sex upstairs/cooking strange food/having fights, but I'm going to ignore it and concentrate and it will go away." This, too, is out of necessity. When space is limited, it becomes a very sacred and precious commodity.
The problem is, you can extrapolate a lot of good/bad from this general line of thinking. People in small towns don't understand the concept of "Mind your own business," which is why you see a lot more anti-lifestyle crap. People in big cities don't care if you marry your dog, don't care if you walk around in a purple cape, don't care if you do drugs or generally fuck up your own life, where a small-town person would come over to your house and smack you into shape ("smack" == slowly break you down with long, polite speeches).
And while you shouldn't expect anyone to give a rats ass if you've been waiting around in line for half an hour (where you need to go in such a hurry?) the flip side is that you will get people going COMPLETELY out of their way to help you, because, as I said, where they need to go in such a hurry?
Good and bad. Your priorities will dictate which lifestyle is more well-suited.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:36 PM on December 9, 2004
In big cities, where people live on top of each other, people respect privacy far, far more. The line of thinking is, "Yes, I can hear you having sex upstairs/cooking strange food/having fights, but I'm going to ignore it and concentrate and it will go away." This, too, is out of necessity. When space is limited, it becomes a very sacred and precious commodity.
The problem is, you can extrapolate a lot of good/bad from this general line of thinking. People in small towns don't understand the concept of "Mind your own business," which is why you see a lot more anti-lifestyle crap. People in big cities don't care if you marry your dog, don't care if you walk around in a purple cape, don't care if you do drugs or generally fuck up your own life, where a small-town person would come over to your house and smack you into shape ("smack" == slowly break you down with long, polite speeches).
And while you shouldn't expect anyone to give a rats ass if you've been waiting around in line for half an hour (where you need to go in such a hurry?) the flip side is that you will get people going COMPLETELY out of their way to help you, because, as I said, where they need to go in such a hurry?
Good and bad. Your priorities will dictate which lifestyle is more well-suited.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:36 PM on December 9, 2004
I grew up in a seriously small town. Population < 1,000. my experience can be boiled down to two words: it sucks.br>
I left when I turned 18 and haven't looked back.
posted by pemdasi at 3:24 AM on December 10, 2004
I left when I turned 18 and haven't looked back.
posted by pemdasi at 3:24 AM on December 10, 2004
When you're growing up in a small town,
You know you'll grow down in a small town.
There is only one good use for a small town:
You hate it and you'll know you have to leave.
(Lou Reed)
posted by naomi at 9:12 AM on December 10, 2004
You know you'll grow down in a small town.
There is only one good use for a small town:
You hate it and you'll know you have to leave.
(Lou Reed)
posted by naomi at 9:12 AM on December 10, 2004
Response by poster: the interesting thing is that not a single adult that i know that lives in a small town has been there their whole life. they all moved to the city at some point, but have returned to roost.
my friend talks of 'small town syndrome', whereby if you were raised in a small town you will never feel right until you go back.
hmmm
oh this crazy world we live in
posted by GleepGlop at 1:22 PM on December 10, 2004
my friend talks of 'small town syndrome', whereby if you were raised in a small town you will never feel right until you go back.
hmmm
oh this crazy world we live in
posted by GleepGlop at 1:22 PM on December 10, 2004
« Older Is there a useful online mailing address search... | Does navigating your city make you crazy? What do... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
To answer your question, I'd be careful about pissing anyone off. One day, you might really, really need them. My (now ex) wife and I made the mistake of criticizing a pediatrician's office staff (not the pediatrician herself, mind you). When our daughter was born, we found that the doctor had notified the hospital staff not to call her if we came in. Professional!
posted by MrMoonPie at 1:47 PM on December 9, 2004