Here’s How You Know You Don’t Belong In A Small Town

As the gypsy middle child of my family, I get the privilege of seeing my two sisters, my parents, my brother in laws and my two nieces all with just one quick trip to my little hometown of South Lyon, Michigan. That’s where they all reside, but for some reason I always knew I wasn’t meant to live there forever. As adorable and friendly and hospitable as it may be, the small town life just isn’t for everyone.

I stick out like a sore thumb in small towns like this one. Oh, and it’s impossible to get an Uber. First world probs. Photo: Krissy Leigh Creative

Here’s how you know you don’t belong in a small town.

1. Your Drinking Habits Require Public Transportation

Hopping in an Uber is a common occurrence in big cities and it’s not just to avoid parking fees or valet costs. When you enjoy drinking wine as much as I do, you have to drink responsibly. In New York, you take the subway. In Chicago, you take the ‘L’. In Nashville, you get an Uber (or a free ride in a golf cart from Joyride). In my hometown, I bribe my little sister to pick me up from the bar. This works fine a few times a year when I am home visiting, but probably wouldn’t go over so well every weekend. (Thanks Delaney!!)

2. Your Wardrobe Gets You Strange Looks

It takes some places a little longer to catch up on the current trends, so sometimes when I go home dressed in my normal trendy attire, people stare at me as if I’ve just landed on Earth from some faraway planet. But in Nashville, it’s totally normal to wear shredded jeans, bodysuits and rompers with a cape (see above). Clearly, that doesn’t exactly fit in as well in a small town. (Trust me- I got plenty of weird looks during that photo shoot in downtown Franklin, TN!)

3. You Need To Be Close To A Major Airport

Sometimes I take 6am flights and sometimes I don’t land somewhere until after midnight. I always forget that my parents live 45 minutes from the airport and like I said before, you can’t just jump in an Uber at any time of the day like you can in a big city. I always feel bad when I book a really early morning flight back to Nashville and my dad is forced to wake up at 3am just to get me there by 4:30. I’m not sure how I would ever travel so frequently if I didn’t live 12-15 minutes from the airport. It’s a must.

4. Networking And Collaborating Are Two Of Your Favorite Hobbies

If I had the time and energy, I would be at some type of networking event every single night of the week. If you love collaborating as much as I do, then you know it requires you to live in a place where everyone doesn’t already know your name. You wouldn’t believe the amazing group of girls I have met just since launching this blog. Not to mention the relationships I have formed with businesses and brands. Big cities give you endless resources to grow and meet others who can provide advice and encouragement. My dear friend Sarah founded a group here in Nashville called Creative Souls Tribe and she hosts all types of meet ups and events for Nashville creatives to get together and network and support each other. I LIVE for this stuff and it’s one of the main reasons I love Nashville so much.

Now don’t get me wrong, people are living their dreams and doing great things in small towns. I am proud of where I came from and it has shaped me into who I am today. But every time someone asks me if I could see myself moving back there, I don’t even hesitate before saying no. I wasn’t born to stay in one place. If you weren’t either, do what I did and get the heck out of there. You’ll thank me later.

PS- follow my adventures on Instagram here!