15 things Southerners who have lived in small towns have done | Eastern North Carolina Now

1. Told someone that you're "goin' to town."

Need to get groceries at somewhere that's not Dollar General? Want to go to the mall? Then you're going to need to "go to town" -- AKA, the closest town with a Wal-Mart.

2. Given directions like, "It's right past the four-way stop."

Because there's only one four-way stop in town. Duh.

3. Eaten lunch from a gas station.

From street tacos to burgers, you never know what you'll find at Southern gas stations. 

Yep, some of our big-city friends may scoff at this, but small-town Southerners know that some of the best meals come from a convenience store. From street tacos to fried chicken to bodacious burgers, we know we can find some good eats anywhere.

4. Waved at someone far away even though you can't see them.

I mean, we know we know them, anyway, and we can't be rude.

5. Hung out in a parking lot.

Look, there aren't a lot of options for hangouts in small towns, so we have to be creative. Vacant parking lots, fast-food restaurants -- all are acceptable hangouts when you don't have much to choose from.

6. Spent 30 minutes in the grocery store even when just buying one item.

Because you're going to know every person in there and are going to have to stop and talk in every aisle.

7. Gone to a Friday night high school football game.

High school football games are the biggest social events of the year, and you have to be there -- regardless of if you like football or not.

8. Stopped the car in the middle of the road to talk to someone.

Yeah, it's probably not safe to stop in the middle of the road to talk to our friend who's at his mailbox. Because know only about five people travel that road a day.

9. Said, "I know her, she's my kin"

In fact, you say this A LOT.

10. Found out your parents know when you've done something wrong before you do.

News -- and gossip -- travels fast in small towns. So if you've done anything wrong -- or if someone thinks you've done something wrong -- you can bet everyone will know really soon.

11. Gone out after 10 p.m. and then realized everything is closed.

So you have to drive "to town" 30 minutes away to find an open store or restaurant.

12. Told strangers that you live in a nearby town that's more populous.

You know they've never heard of your town before, anyway. Why confuse them?

13. Gasped when you hear about big-city house prices

Wait, did I hear that right? They paid how much for that house in Nashville?

14. You know there's no point in going to the local mom-and-pops on Sunday.

Because the town shuts down for church.

15. Realized you've never locked your doors.

Your neighbors, who practically live on their front porch, are the perfect guard dogs.