Moving to the Country? Some Advice.

Almost all of the newcomers fit in well with their new small town or country environment and find that their expectations are exceeded. If you are moving to recapture the lifestyle in which you were raised you will be overjoyed to find it still exists.

However, there are a few people that just start wrong. In a small town, you will be dealing with the same people repeatedly, so initial impressions are important. After several years of watching newcomers integrate with those who have lived there all their lives, I can offer the following advice.

1. Most important of all, realize that your standing in the community will be based upon your kindness, courtesy and respect for others.No amount of wealth or status will get you a bye on this rock hard standard. Wealthy, arrogant people are in the country and small towns but they go through life missing its most important component-the warm fellowship of others.
2. Always remember that you are here to enjoy the country not to bring the city to the country.
3. Realize that Virginia is a distinguished state and far superior to NY and CA.
4. To avoid the appearance of arrogance or pretentiousness never forget the following
--There is no class system in any social environment.
--Assume that the natives know more than you and want to help.
--Service staffs at restaurants are not servants-they are friends.
--Leave political correctness behind you.
5. Do not even think of proposing new gun control legislation.
6. Never be in such a hurry that you can’t have a short conversation.
7. If a merchant or service person asks about where you live they are getting to know you and will not sell this information to internet companies.
8. Do not complain about
--Power failures as a unique feature of country life.
--ATV’s and dirt bikes as long as they are handled responsibly.
--People hunting deer in the hills behind your development.
--People starting meetings with a prayer or the pledge of allegiance.
--Things you miss from the city.
9. You can complain about
--The price of gasoline.
--The traffic.
--Irresponsible kids on ATV’s and dirt bikes.
--Tradesmen who do not call you back.
--Grouchy merchants-everyone will know who they are.
--Eastern Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
--The federal and state governments.
--The county and local government after you have been here a year.

You can be of any political party, religion,ethnic background, or race. As long as you heed these rules, you will make friends with both the long timers and the other newcomers

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