Did you grow up in the city or in the country?
Or maybe somewhere in between, like I did?
Wherever you were raised, it leaves a mark on you and shapes you in a lot of ways.
And today we’re gonna hear from people who were raised in rural areas.
Read on to see what these AskReddit users had to say about life out in the country.
1. Bad idea.
“Don’t pick fights or run your mouth to people in small towns that you live in if you just moved there. Chances of you seeing that person again are 100%.
Getting on peoples’ bad sides in small communities cuts you out of a lot a lot of opportunities in the future. Keep your head down, mind your own business and be friendly to everyone.”
2. Get your hands dirty.
“You should probably know how to change out your spare tire and jump a d**d battery.
Also driving on gravel/dirt is not the same as blacktop.”
3. It’s dark out there.
“It gets properly dark in the countryside at night time. Foxes mating sound like someone being murdered or the zombie apocalypse has arrived. You may be late for work because there are cows/sheep on the road.
You may find cows/sheep in your garden. Country people where I am from are the worst gossipers ever but also extremely generous. I like to make blackberry jam but I h**e the taste, gave it to my neighbours, they in return give me apples and damsons from their trees.
The country is boring as hell as a teenager but there you are an adult you will desperately miss it.”
4. Kissin’ cousins.
“Depending on how small the area is: When dating, if you don’t know if you are related or not, FIND OUT.
Better to know then to just chance it.
Don’t want to accidentally contribute to the inbreeding if you can help it.”
5. The law.
“Small town cops are really bored so you probably shouldn’t speed.
Either that or you basically live ungoverned. Our whole community took our 25mph road at 50mph most of the time, but only during certain hours because they knew the kids’ school and play schedules.
You could tell someone was from out of town by their slow and lane-observant driving.”
6. I got your back.
“I don’t know if this applies to everyone.
I grew up in a particularly rural part of West Texas where our closest neighbor out of six was almost two miles away. The closest town was almost twenty miles away. Anyone who grew up like that may be able to vouch for me on this:
When you’re in the middle of nowhere, it doesn’t matter if you don’t like your neighbors, you’re all each other have out there. Bicker all you want, but when s**t hits the fan, you get the food off my table and the shirt of my back.”
7. Stay out.
“Don’t walk into a farm and pick fruit, unless you’ve been given permission first.
That’s the farmers income you are stealing.”
8. Nice folks out there.
“People are much friendlier in the country, you wave they’ll wave back. Everyone is sir or ma’am. People are more willing to help.
Oh and probably the biggest one nowadays, your phone probably won’t work in quite a few areas”
9. Up north.
“Some tips from rural Canada,
Do not feed the wildlife, you’ll be sorry when coyotes and raccoons start knocking on your door.
Just because the package says “septic safe” or “flushable” does not mean you can put it in your septic tank. It will clog, you will end up calling a pumper and it will be uncomfortable to not be able to use the toilet while you wait.
Yes the raccoons will get into your garbage, no they don’t make a raccoon proof garbage can.
Don’t travel close behind tractors or slow moving equipment, stone chipped windows are expensive to replace.
The snow plows will get there, give them time.
For the love of all things holy, slow down when passing horses!”
10. FYI.
“You can’t tip a cow and every time you make that joke we’re laughing at how dumb you are. Steers weigh around 1,200 lbs.
They also don’t sleep standing up so you’d have to sneak up on them. That’s not going to happen either unless they’re laying down and asleep.
Even then, once they wake up they may charge at you or just run away.”
11. The good stuff.
“Not so much a tip, but an experience. Everyone should know the feeling of going to bed with the windows open, listening to the frogs and crickets, plus the occasional freight train way off in the distance echoing in the night.
I have missed this every night since moving into a fairly developed area 25 years ago. There’s a certain peace to be had from the little things that can’t be replaced by convenience.
The other folks are right about the nosey people, and the animals, and the very dark nights, but it’s well worth it if you can make it work for you.”
12. From the city to the country.
“I’m a city guy who came to town over 20 years ago. I don’t gossip. Not ever.
After 10-12 years, people realized this, and the younger ones started coming for advice that wouldn’t set off the fence telegraph. The first one was a really nice gal who was considering going Army, and wanted to talk to someone who was in.
Rumor spread, and the middle aged people got involved. Then the old-timers. I’ll listen, think about what was said, and suggest a course of action. Or maybe just listen, if somebody needs an ear. Or maybe lend a hand if someone needs physical help.
I have become this podunk town’s unofficial therapist, and our foursome of professional gossiper old ladies burn with envy. I like it.”
Did you grow up in the country?
If so, tell us all about it in the comments.
Thanks a lot!
