An Unfiltered Guide to Country Living: What You Need to Know Before You Move

Moving to the country can be a dream for many, but there's a lot more to it than just beautiful landscapes and fresh air. I saw a recent YouTube video that provides an unfiltered guide to living in a rural area, sharing some of the unwritten rules and expectations you should be aware of before you pack your bags.

What to Expect (and What Not to Do):

• Burning is Normal: In the country, it's common for people to burn things. Don't call the fire department unless it's a genuine emergency. As the video states, "if it's cloudy and green," let them be.

• Building Permits are Optional: While building permits exist, many people in rural areas don't bother getting them for barns, shelters or sheds.  They need it and they build it and inspectors typically don't interfere with this process.

• Respect the Community: Farmers are the lifeblood of rural communities and we treat them with a sort of reverence. The community at large can be one single organism so understand if it impacts one, it can affect all.

• Fence in Your Pets: While you may see dogs running free, it's not the safest option for your pet. The video suggests fencing your property or using a shock collar to keep your pets safe.

• Mind Your Own Business: A crucial rule is to not meddle in others' affairs. The video puts it simply: "if it's not on your property, it's none of your business".

• Avoid Mentioning Development: If you're buying land, keep quiet about any plans to develop it. This is a quick way to become unpopular with the locals.

• Local Culture: Be prepared for limited dining options. Mom-and-pop restaurants often don't have vegan options, and the community prefers it that way. Additionally, don't expect a warm welcome for door-to-door salesmen.

This video offers a candid look at country life, reminding prospective residents that it's important to understand and respect the local customs and values.  And as a bonus, I thought I would throw a few in there I feel he may have missed.

• What's that Smell: In the country we enjoy our critters and those critters may put off an oder from time-to-time.  Make sure you know the area you're moving into and if you happen to see a pasture full of cows, or a chicken house, or even an abattoir, talk with the neighbors to know when is 'the season'. But regardless of when it is, don't get offended or protest.  Understand this is natural and part of country living.
• Understand context: My grandpa use to say "It's not what you say but how you say it" and boy was he right. In the South, but especially in the country, you'll hear people say "bless his heart" or "aren't they precious". What may sound like a flattering comment could actually be a dig so make sure you understand what's in front of and behind that comment.
• Know your dictionary: If you want the truth ask a child, a drunk or a mad woman. If you want simple and easy-to-understand speech, listen to country people.  We have all sorts of expressions and colloquialisms that just make sense.  Here are a few for reference:
  
  • A piece - referes to distance
  • Amoungst us - in the middle or midst of a group
  • Bad off - someone who's really sick or really, really hard on their luck
  • Boxing - the soffit or fascia of a house
  • Crack the window - roll your window down
  • Co-Cola - any soft drink regardless of brand
  • Dinner - the meal you eat in the middle of the day... the night meal is supper
  • Edge of dark - the time right before the sun goes down
  • Hasslin' - out of breath
  • High cotton - best of times, someone with money
  • Mash - the press (like a button or potatoes)
  • Racket - a loud and unpleasing noise
  • Short rows - a job being almost finished
  • Yonder - somewhere over there, refers to distance

Video source: https://youtube.com/shorts/490Otoc7TkM?si=Q7PxNsyw5BsPB4G0