Lola, You've done well to describe the nice things about visiting the small town. I like to visit for the same reasons.
I get worried when I talk to the locals and the stares start, the questions come up and suddenly I'm frightened of the closeness that never seems to accept me... Still, they fake a good game when I'm in those small towns and I don't think we could live without them!
dancer, little fish in big sea

Dancer, got to compliment you on the interesting questions you bring up. This one made me think.

Meredith, I enjoyed your poem. I like your refreshing writing style.

If I were single, I would definitely prefer the city. I also think people are more worldly, tolerant and sociable in the city.

Many people living in small villages are narrow-minded and see anyone outside of their tight circles as an intruder. I don’t know if it is that way in America, (maybe in Maine), but I experienced unfriendly treatment when we moved to a little village in Germany. I think a green marcian would have been accepted more then an American. Before we moved to the village, I lived in Muenich, which is a large metropolitan city. Being American was considered exotic and interesting there. I actually attracted people just because of that.

But…as it is, I’m not single, and my husband would never give up our house,…so I have accepted where I am, and have made the best of it,…I think…I hope…I think.

I've lived in small villages or out in the country all my life apart from one year in a city...I hated it because I felt lonely! I was so anonymous it freaked me out! Having said that, village life can be a little suffocating when everyone knows or wants to know your business all the time. When my ex-husband had an affair and left me, I felt like I was in a goldfish bowl. My heart is in the country...wide open space, peace and quiet but good neighbors a short walk away...perfect!

Hannelore, I will say that I am surprised! I expected, when I posted this, to hear all those here say they liked small town life!
Everyone almost is a city girl! This is great for me because I am one but again, small towns can be great for visiting and day trips. They also are great for a month or so to disappear for awhile.

Still, without the city, I am miserable. I'm interested to find you, and others, such city girls!
dancer

Country girl, I wanted to post to say I'm sorry for what happened to you in that small town! That is exactly what I'm talking about when I say everyone knows everyone's business. Sometimes, like with you, Country girl, a woman needs her privacy. Instead of feeling safer, one can feel more afraid to go out and hear others talking about you or know that others know your business when it's something you know is best left to you and whom YOU decide to share it with!
People will gossip anywhere, but in a city, you can avoid those who would gossip against you easier!

I'm sorry, Country girl!
dancer

Nice, Meredith!
dancer

enough to "grow your mind," is a wonderful way of putting it, Orchid.
I like that.
dancer

Orchid, Celtic and I have spoken of a move to Canada at some stage...the question would be when? The dynamics of our family situation are are very different from the times of these discussions..but I woulld still imagine that it is still a concideration.
Love Your work Mrs M

Poppie