People, especially those on the East Coast, continually criticize people who live in a small town in America, particularly in the Midwest. One of their main complaints is that the people of the small towns know the story of everyone’s life and business.

So what have you done wrong that you don’t want anyone to know?

So what, if everyone knows, you are just a human, all humans do things that would be better for them if they hadn’t, everyone else in your little town has done the same.

In most small towns, people have a genuine concern for their fellow neighbors, and while they may occasionally gossip about them, when things are low, they will help each other when those in larger cities may care less about their neighbor and leave help to someone else.

I always hear about how people in cities don’t even know their neighbors, how does that work for you? Your next door neighbor may be suffering a deadly catastrophe and you don’t even know it. You may be having a major problem in your life and there is no one there to help you.

How comforting is that.

It’s no wonder so many people need a psychiatrist these days.

One of my favorite movie scenes is the scene at Crocodile Dundee where Mick and Sue walk down a New York street and Sue tells Mick how great his shrink is.

Mick has that deer in his headlights and asks why he is going to a psychiatrist, Sue responds, “So I can have someone to talk to.”

Mick is puzzled and asks, “Isn’t that what a buddy is for?”

It is so simple, most in a small town realize this and there is always someone willing to listen and listen. They may not be able to help, but they will listen.

Many times that is all we need is someone to listen to us.

I find that talking to a partner is much simpler, easier and less expensive than hiring someone to listen to you, to me that sounds pretty absurd.

Sometimes, obviously, the advice of a professional is needed, but many times, all that is needed is a listening ear.

How many lives could be changed if someone just listened, someone who knows your life situation rather than an overpaid psychiatrist whose only advice is derived from a book that tells you how to respond?

That sounds impersonal and simple to me.

I have lived in small towns and larger cities and while I enjoy the comforts of a larger city, at any moment I will take the kindness of a small town.

Small towns are like a family, many times they have lived in the same community for generations. They know each other’s stories and, like a family, they fight, reconcile and help out when needed.