Living in a small town has its unique charm and community spirit, but it also comes with a set of unspoken rules and expectations. In close-knit communities, certain actions and behaviors simply aren’t accepted. Here are 18 things you definitely shouldn’t be doing in a small town.
Gossiping About Neighbours
News can spread very quickly in small towns, so everyone is likely to find out what you’ve said if you gossip about people! Small towns thrive on the close relationships within the community, and gossip can easily damage people’s reputations. Just be nice instead.
Missing Community Events
Community events are a big deal in a small town. Science Direct says, “events help foster a strong sense of community identity.” People will most likely notice your absence, and missing these events might be seen as disrespectful (unless you have a good reason, of course).
Ignoring Local Traditions
Traditions form the backbone of a small town and are cherished by the community. Ignoring and disregarding these customs can be interpreted as dismissive and rude, whether you mean it that way or not! Your community will always appreciate you getting involved.
Not Supporting Local Businesses
Small towns usually rely heavily on local commerce to sustain their economies. Choosing to shop at chain stores over local businesses can hurt the community. Supporting local businesses and services will also strengthen your bond with the community!
Disrespecting Elders
Disrespecting your elders is pretty much seen as rude wherever you live, but especially in small towns! Elders are often held in high regard for their wisdom and contributions to the community over time. You’ll most likely be excluded from then on if you don’t respect them.
Not Looking After Your Lawn
Small towns are always pretty and looked after! Well-maintained properties reflect pride in the community, so neglected lawns can often lead to complaints from neighbors and the council. Keeping your property tidy is a simple way to contribute to the town’s aesthetics.
Speeding
Speeding and reckless driving are taken incredibly seriously in small towns. According to USA Today, “in one Ohio village of about 500 people, police wrote 8,900 speeding tickets in only 5 months.” Small towns have strict speed limits to ensure safety, and breaking these limits can result in community backlash.
Ignoring Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a cornerstone of small-town life and community service. It’s important to do your bit for the community in small towns, and not participating can be a mistake. Volunteering helps build connections and shows that you are invested in the community.
Arguing in Public
It’s hard to keep your disagreements private in a small town, as someone is always bound to hear. Public arguments can quickly become the talk of the town, and this is just plain embarrassing! Try to keep your cool when you’re out and about in public spaces.
Throwing Parties Without Notice
Small towns are often calm and tranquil, the exact opposite of a big, loud party! Large parties can disturb the peace and get you unwanted attention, especially if they’re last minute. It’s common courtesy to let your neighbors know in advance if you’re throwing a party.
Not Recycling
Environmental practices like recycling are often highly valued and closely monitored in small towns, and if you don’t recycle, you may be met with disapproval or fines! The Pew Research Center says, “people who live in places where social norms strongly encourage recycling are more likely to be aware of recycling rules.”
Skipping Town Meetings
Town meetings are integral to small towns (think Gilmore Girls). They’re important for successful community decision-making, and if you skip them, people might question your commitment to the town. Make sure you attend meetings and willingly participate to be respectful!
Being Unfriendly to Newcomers
Welcoming newcomers is a key part of maintaining and growing a vibrant community, and small towns value inclusivity. Being unfriendly to newcomers can create a hostile environment and make you look like a terrible person (which I’m sure you’re not).
Not Shoveling Snow
Keeping walkways clear is important for the safety of the community, and all able members are expected to help shovel snow. Refusing to help can inconvenience others and lead to accidents. Grab a shovel and do your bit for the town!
Not Greeting Neighbors
Country Living highlights that “in a small town, there’s hardly anywhere you can go without running into someone you know.” Greeting neighbors and engaging in small talk whenever you bump into them is the norm, and ignoring your neighbors can be interpreted as rude and standoffish.
Leaving Pets Unsupervised
Leaving your pet to roam free in a small town can potentially cause many disturbances and safety issues. Being responsible for your pet and making sure your pets are supervised and kept under control shows respect for your neighbors’ property, as well as their peace.
Skipping Local Fundraisers
Fundraisers are essential for supporting local causes and projects and helping fund the community in small towns. Not participating in these fundraisers can be seen as not supporting the community or putting in effort. Where’s your community spirit?
Making Changes Without Approval
Major changes to your property or business often require consent and approval from the community. Going ahead with unapproved changes can lead to disputes and regulatory issues, which can be stressful! Seeking approval shows respect for your community’s guidelines and processes.
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