Did you grow up in a small town? If so, did you enjoy it? Why or why not?

1. 61

   Taylor Ricksposted 10 years ago

   Did you grow up in a small town?  If so, did you enjoy it?  Why or why not?

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2. 34

   wqaindiaposted 10 years ago

   Yes, of course. Out of 58 years, I spent about 52 years in Rajpura a small town known for famous Nalas Temple about which the locals say that Lord Shiva resides either in Kailash or Nalas. As regards enjoyment, it has different meanings for different individuals. One may enjoy open air pollution free environment in a small town and others my create luxurious style of living within the four walls of their homes. Living in a flat in metro or crowded cities is just like getting imprisoned whereas in small towns it is stress free and natural life. In small towns people recognise each other by face and there is natural intimacy. To be social practically is possible only in small towns whereas otherwise sending a message on cell, facebook or any other social media can't express the true feelings. Now commercial people create artificial villages to create and have a feeling of living in a village.

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3. 74

   CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years ago

   I grew up in a small town in the US where my family first settled from England.  I did enjoy growing up here, but I now have a different perspective as an adult.
   
   Back when I was growing up, everyone knew of me because I had extensive family ties and connections in town.  People were different then.  It was a kinder place. 
   
   It's different for me now as an adult.  I don't see much opportunity here.  Many people go about their day without ever thinking of the sacrifices our ancestors made for us here in this town.  We live near the coast by a huge state park where my great-grandparents lived when they first got married (it was private land then).  Many people don't realize the history and culture here and take it for granted.  That results in a declining appreciation for the area. 
   
   I want to leave, but I've been here for so long that I have no idea where to even start.  I feel my children would be better off if we left the area so they had a new place to start over with more opportunity available to them.

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4. 0

   sheilamyersposted 10 years ago

   Yes and yes. I liked it because everyone knew everyone else and, for the most part, it was like one big happy family. There was very little crime and kids could play outside without too much of a worry. If my parents weren't keeping an eye on me, someone else was - that's just the way it was. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for that same small town today. Everything has changed since the 70s and 80s and it seems like nothing is as good as it used to be.

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5. 61

   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   I did grow up in a small town, Taylor and at this point in my life, I can look back to clearly see it was a wonderful, comfortable and safe experience.  I had an unusually well-rounded childhood, and "home" seemed to be precisely where my heart was and has remained.
   Although I moved away a few times for particular periods of time, as an adult, I returned to my home town after each stay.
   It wasn't that I was unhappy being away but it was just the way things worked out.
   Obviously I felt that my home town was the perfect place to raise my sons, because this is exactly what happened.  I couldn't have been alone in my decisions, because my children have gone through school with the children of my peers.....and believe it or not.....now, our grandchildren are friends with one another!
   We had the normal number of individuals who moved away after school and never came back, except to visit family, but for the most part, the people of my small town seem to be exceptionally loyal and happy.
   Great question, Taylor

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