The advantages of living in a small town

People, especially those on the East Coast, continually criticize people who live in small towns in the US, particularly in the Midwest. One of their main complaints is that people from small towns know everyone’s business and life history.

So what have you done wrong that you don’t want anyone to know?

So what if everyone knows, you’re only human, all humans do things they’d be better off if they hadn’t, everyone else in your little town has done the same thing.

In most small towns, people have a genuine concern for their fellow man and, although they may occasionally gossip about each other, when things are bad, they will collaborate and help each other when those in larger cities care less. your neighbor and leave the help to someone else.

I always hear that people in cities don’t even know their neighbors, how does that work for you? Your next door neighbor may be experiencing a life-threatening catastrophe and you don’t even know it. He may be having a major problem in his life and no one is there to help him.

How comforting is that.

It’s no wonder so many people need a psychiatrist these days.

One of my favorite movie scenes is the scene in Crocodile Dundee where Mick and Sue are walking down a New York street and Sue tells Mick how good her psychiatrist is.

Mick gets that deer-in-the-headlights look and asks why she’s going to a shrink, Sue replies, “So she can have someone to talk to.”

Mick is taken aback and asks, “Isn’t that what a mate is for?”

It’s so simple, most in a small town realize this and there is always someone willing to lend an ear and listen. They may not be able to help, but they will listen.

Many times that’s all we need is for someone to listen.

I find that talking to a partner is much simpler, easier and less expensive than hiring someone to listen to you, that sounds pretty far fetched to me.

Sometimes, obviously, professional advice is needed, but many times, all that is needed is a listening ear.

How many lives could be changed if someone would just listen, someone who knows your life situation instead of an overpaid psychiatrist whose only advice is derived from a book that tells you how to respond.

To me that sounds impersonal and cookie cutter.

I have lived in small towns and larger cities, and while I enjoy the conveniences of a larger city, I will accept small town friendliness anytime.

Small towns are like a family, many times they have lived in the same community for generations. They know each other’s history and as a family, they fight, reconcile and lend a hand when necessary.