There's something sweet about growing up in a small town. Tennessee is the heart of the south, chock full of tiny towns and itty-bitty high schools, tight communities and the lights of the big city off in the distance. We've found 15 things you can never, ever get away with if you were born and bred in the deep south, and the only question is - do you agree?
15. Your high school sporting events - good or bad.
Yes - that high school football game that went down in infamy? Your painful soccer goal that just, wasn't? It will live on FOREVER in a small town. It's just the name of the game, folks.
14. Your grandparents' friends will forever think you're 4 years old.
It can get annoying, but then again - it's a sweet thing to have a community that believes you are forever cute and good and young. Right?
13. As well as everyone in the supermarket …
You know everyone. Or are related to them, one of the two.
12. Forget about keeping secrets from your parents.
Your parents knew about your detention before you even got home, and it was SO annoying when you tried to lie about it. It just didn't work out.
11. Watch out for them tractors!
Tractors in the road is a legitimate reason to be late to absolutely everything. Tardies are forgiven at school, and no boss is going to give you a hard time for being a few minutes late.
10. There's nothing worse than a small town break up.
Because everyone knows, and you run into your ex-SO all the dang time. They'll probably end up dating one of your siblings and that just gets so awkward. Best of luck!
9. Don't leave the house in sweats…
Because, again - everyone knows you. Don't give your former boyfriend (see #10) a reason to be happy you broke up. It's all in your hands!
8. You'll always be held to your older siblings' reputation.
How they did in school, at your job, at church...it's a real struggle to be the baby sometimes.
7. The coolest place to hang out on a Friday night was the mall.
Because there's really nothing else to do.
6. Except we meant Saturday night because Friday was for FOOTBALL.
Ah, yes. The whole town shows up to high school football games, and its the social event of the week.
5. You're used to really, REALLY strange news stories.
Moose crossing? Yep. Strange colored robins eggs? Alright. Ms. Susie's third son lost his job? Front pager!
4. You'll be celebrating everything - with everyone.
Columbus Day and International Dog Day and Best Friend Day become one in the same when it comes to turning around a party. Cupcakes are always welcome, you know.
3. No news is boring - there's always news.
#5 kind of touched on this, but the crazy thing? Everyone is interested in everything and everyone. A little bit of the good, a little bit of the bad.
2. The church pie contest can get really dirty. It matters.
Don't enter unless you're prepared for what follows - and sometimes it's downright salty.
1. But that sense of community? You can't ever get rid of it.
It's something you can't fake, and it's something that matters. We wouldn't trade small town Tennessee for the world!
What a list! Phew. We've also found the The Epic Adventure Bucket List Every Tennessean Must Complete!
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