When you come from a small town like mine, you are shocked when people don't hold the door for each other. You're used to everyone asking how you are or how your day is going. Often these people don't even know you; they're just a kind person in line at the grocery store with you. You're even a little bit offended whenever a stranger doesn't smile back at you because you're used to everyone emphasizing politeness and respect.

When you come from a small town like mine, you've had the pleasure of growing up in one of the most beautiful corners of the world. You probably took the rolling hills and wide open spaces for granted. The lush forests and uninterrupted sunsets provide a stark contrast to skyscrapers and smog.

When you come from a small town like mine, you run into conflict. People in small towns can be stubborn and set in their ways. Any type of change is met with great resistance. People are frequently closed minded and judgmental. It isn't always perfect.

When you come from a small town like mine, you have a whole host of stories to bring with you to the outside world. People love to hear about cows, cornfields, and Friday night bonfires. You carry your small town morals and lessons with you, and you'll learn to hold them with pride.

When you come from a small town like mine, everybody wants to leave. It's every high school seniors dream to leave their little hometown for the sparkling city. All of the young people think there is nothing worse than staying. A lot of them return, however, even if it's just to visit. Many people do, in fact, stay, and those who don't often admit that they appreciate their upbringing and that it "wasn't that bad."

When you come from a small town like mine, you learn to take the good with the bad. You're forced to accept that things can be good as a whole and still have quite a few unsavory aspects. It's not easy. I know it wasn't for me. I went from despising my town to romanticizing it, but have settled on an in between. It's not perfect, but it's really not that bad.