I do judge them if they clearly never grew as a person at all. I truly think some people need a change in scenery, at least for a little bit, to have character growth.
Even then, I’m judging them for not seeking out different perspectives more than I am for them not having moved from their hometown. Its entirely possible to live where you always have and seek out different perspectives, after all.
No but I was judged. I did move to bigger cities and eventually returned to my hometown where I made my life near perfect. Regardless, there were always people that seemed bothered with it
For me it depends if they continue to grow or not. If they keep a closed mind bc they haven’t exposed themselves to different viewpoints and experiences, then I tend to judge that — mainly bc these are the same people who often are so sure they are correct about how the world works. Otherwise, no judgement. In fact, sometimes I am in awe that they can stay and become well-rounded, happy people who continue to grow in one place.
Travel is fatal to prejuidce, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
I think it depends on the reason. Some people stay because of family, community, or financial reasons and there’s nothing wrong with that. Growth isn’t always tied to geography; you can evolve a lot without ever leaving your hometown. But at the same time, stepping out of your comfort zone, even temporarily, can offer perspective you might not get otherwise.
Unlike half the people in this thread, I do recognize the sentiment of thinking others never aspired to anything greater than what they already know and never stepped outside their comfort zone
I left, they stayed. I sometimes wish I could go back but can’t afford it and would get bored again. They sometimes wish they’d had more diverse life experiences but they’re rooted. I don’t call my feelings towards them judgements. Mostly, I ponder if I would have been able to stick it out as long as they have, and I’m sure every time I would have left eventually.
Yes, because living elsewhere seems important to expand your perspective and pursue a broader range of opportunities. But obviously everyone is different and should do as they please.
I wouldn’t say I judge them, but sometimes I find it surprising.
Especially in the case of really small towns.
But there’s a lot of reasons people may not move. For some in may not be a option financially, some may want to or even need to look after family members who live there, some may be genuinely happy and content with where they are etc.
It’s a lot different from my experience – I could not wait to get out of my home city. But it’s not as though going one way in life is “right” and the other is “wrong.” Everyone is different, so different things are going to be the best decision for them.
I judge ppl who have never left their home town and never taken an international trip or even just one international trip and they talk politics as if they understand how the world works.
Usually those people are “America is the best and only country in the world. Let’s put 50% tariffs on everything”
I made the conscious decision to stay here in my hometown for a few reasons.
Everyone is always saying to travel the world to see what it has to offer you. I hate being told what to do. So I decided to stay and witness the change of time, and to see what the world would bring to me.
I’ve grown and matured, now I see that the people who were the loudest at proclaiming the necessity of moving away are moving back.
My brother was married to a woman who full on freaked out when he wanted to move to a city 30 mins away bc she couldn’t be “that far” from her mom. She was in her 30s. You bet I judged her lol
People who brag they are, as an example, fourth generation of living in a spot are always the most boring people you will ever meet.
They have never left their town, their county, their state and act like somehow that makes them superior to you and use that to judge you as inferior. I can’t Imagine having absolutely no desire to live somewhere else, to vacation or explore some other part of the world.
Yes. To me, that is equivalent to never evolving. Like, being the type to never grow from chicken nuggets and juice boxes. Nothing wrong with it, and I occasionally like to indulge in it, but I’ve grown up. Also, I can’t even imagine those in small towns who are not exposed to a pinch of diversity in any way, shape, and form. That’s why a lot of rural communities are stuck and wonder why so much crap is beneath the surface (figuratively speaking). My opinion is my opinion, yours is yours.
Yes, sometimes. There’s a whole group of people from my school that never left and they are all still best friends in their 40’s. They’re all suuuuper conservative and drink themselves silly on weekends.
Maybe I’m just jealous that they don’t have kids and can afford to live in Southern California 😂. I moved away for grad school and am stuck in a Midwest soccer mom hell of my own creation.
No, because most of the ppl in my area are still living in or near our hometown. It’s expensive to move. And hard to start over somewhere else, especially if you have no family nearby.
You judge them because you are jealous that you moved away and still can’t be as happy as they are in a place you loathed. Otherwise you wouldn’t give a rats ass.
I did when I was young and dumb. I do not now. Most people want to live around the people and things they know. I actually judge people a lot harder who tell people who are getting priced out of their hometown to just move somewhere cheaper, as if that’s the only consideration for where to live.
The only time I would say I judge is if they have a very small-minded view because they never left their home. I think it is really important for individual growth to experience other world views and ways of living. Doesn’t mean you can’t come back home once you know that’s where you want to stay… but I think it is important to experience it at least once
I did when I was younger but then I moved to an amazing area where a lot of people stayed and I fully understand why someone would want to stay here their whole life
I did for a long time because not leaving your hometown reveals a lot about a person. However, I’ve traveled quite a bit and lived abroad extensively. I’m from the U.S (lived in Japan for 2 years, China 5 years, South Africa 1 year and traveled to many other countries besides) but in all my travels whats been fascinating to me is despite the differences in our cultures & perspectives is that EVERY SINGLE person I’ve had the pleasure and honor of having a meaningful conversation with in my travels eventually reveals that their greatest pleasures in life are good food (or drink) , good company, and a loving family. Which I eventually realized that those people who never leave their hometown never go without. And to me, that’s pretty special.
I don’t think I’d say I “judge” them bc people should do whatever they want and whatever they think makes them happy. But I will say that moving away from my hometown was the best thing I ever did for myself. Moving from a rural area where everyone was so homogeneous to an urban center and meeting people from all walks of life showed me a lot and made me very self-aware in a way I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise. You can read about ideas and cultures in books but until you’re around people you just won’t get a lot of it. I think everyone should go on a sabbatical and out of their comfort zones.
why judge. it’s their lives, unless you pay their rent/mortgage and bills, so long theyre not bothering your home or family, not sure why can you have any input in their lives,
Genuinely asking, is it an American thing to move away from their hometown or home state as soon as possible? I see a lot of people online saying how they moved away to a different city or state.
In Toronto, everyone that I know my age (22) has no plans to move away. Even people my parents age (earlier 40s) all have stayed in the city.
At the most, my family and some extended family members have moved around different parts of the city due to better housing prices but genuinely stay in the city or just right outside the city.
I used to. But then I got older and realized just how difficult it is to just get up and move. There are so many factors to consider. There’s a reason why most people in the world end up kind of staying around their hometowns.
I never thought much of it until I moved to a small town. There’s something different about people who never left. A lot of them married their high school sweetheart, have all the same friends, and never got to know anyone who lived any different kind of life. Their minds are still stuck in high school. Any change scares them.
There’s also real fear of outsiders here. If you didn’t grow up in town, you’re treated as suspect, no matter how kind you are. My kid’s principal was basically run out because he wasn’t “one of them.” That’s all it took. He didn’t grow up here. He grew up 15 minutes away.
Small towns are weird. They can be wonderful and terrible all at the same time.
Yes and no. I definitely think anyone who doesn’t leave their hometown is doing themselves a disservice and have noticed in my experience that those people typically hold onto bigoted ignorant mindsets and don’t bother to try to learn any better and I simply cannot respect that
Yes. 90% of them are now alcoholics and hang out at the local bar every night and most of what they talk about is their “golden years” in high school, or they got into hard drugs, and not the good ones. Many are still living with their parents, which is often a great thing! But they act like children and their maturity ended in HS I think because of it. Honestly I don’t think you have to move away forever, but living on your own for a year or two really makes you grow up. Another reason why college is great and we should revolt because it’s a fucking scam with how expensive it is. Make education affordable so people can experience this if they want it.
why would I judge someone for not moving? That seems like such an odd thing to fixate on. If they are happy where they are at, then that’s great. It makes me a little sad when people feel they are trapped in their hometown and can’t move away without people being mad at them, because that is not someone living their best. I would have stayed in my hometown if there had been job opportunities there. But there weren’t.
Not necessarily never moved away, but if they’ve never even left, yes.
It’s perfectly fine to go explore other places and realize you want to be where you lived. It is very different to never leave your little enclave and stay.
It also depends on where you grew up.
I think for most people, at some point you NEED to leave your hometown to open your mind to different things. Even if you live in a very diverse place like NYC, you should still at some point leave and realize everything isn’t like NYC.
Not for not ever leaving especially if their life is good where they are. I do judge people who endlessly complain about how terrible the town is, that there is nothing to do, all the people suck etc. but spend all their money on booze cigarettes and coke in the same 5 local bars all the while refusing to try anything new and saying they can’t afford to move. Can you tell I know a lot of people like that? Sigh.
Not for never moving away, I only judge if they literally never left.
Example: a guy seemed interested, we exchanged numbers. Turns out he’s never seen the ocean, or left the state, or really the general area. The ocean thing would be acceptable… if we didn’t live on the coast. It’s like 90 minutes or less to the ocean, there’s even a dedicated bike route from my town to the ocean. That’s the type of people I judge.
Why would I judge the lovely grandma who’s never left the town, but is constantly doing her best to be nice to and help others?
However that local yokel who never outgrew their high school days, and says some really ignorant shit? Yeah they’re getting judged.
Also just because they left their town doesn’t mean they ever grew up.
I know several people who have lived in other towns/states and I would still judge them poorly as they never actually learned anything from the experience.
Not at all. I do think that people who spend their entire life in one place are missing out on a lot but at the same time I recognize that I have missed out on having roots somewhere and feeling like I belong. You can’t have it all.
I’ll judge you if not moving away from your home town makes you a small-minded individual with stupid ass opinions that don’t take the rest of the world into account. You are connected to the rest of the world through the global economy, and more, even if you think you aren’t.
I openly do. Mostly because they put their small town views on a public forum polluting the overall conversation. Fucking experience something before shunning it before all.
Only timed Ive judged anyone for that, she got a degrees, bachelor’s then eventually masters, in a field that had no jobs in our area and refused to move or even commute because she wanted to be close to her family, and not like same city close but right next to thier house close. She even stated, she could of gotten jobs in neighboring cities which would of been a 45 to hour drive. Yes that drive would suck but don’t complain you’re in your mid 30s, still working the same restaurant job since you were 17.
Honestly yes, I judge people who willingly stay ignorant . I have friends (a couple) who live in their village less than 1000 residents with one pub and one post office, they don’t want to socialise with people who aren’t in their village, to the point they get their shopping delivered and they order everything off amazon . They work in the village and have no hobbies outside of netflix and what they can do in the village (Which is basically walking around or the pub) . We only see them when we go over to their house as they, again, don’t want to leave the village . One of them was raised in this village, his other half was raised in an equally small village . Insane imo I try not to judge but they irritate me when their big life complaint is their neighbour hasn’t mowed the lawn this week
Yes. There’s a whole world out there beyond your bubble. Go test it out. I know people who did that and then went back to their hometown – but that’s great! At least they tried something new and made an informed decision about what they want.
I’m from a very small, rural state. People never leave here. Never try new foods. Shun outsiders. It’s gross.
Yes, because they often stay in their old habits, don’t try new things, don’t realise that the world is so big. Their world is often but not always smaller.
Yes I do. There is so much culture. And the people back at my hometown keep a narrow veiw of the world. That being said, I try to invite them and talk and share as much as possible. Those who are afraid to try new things will be restrictive if given power, imo and experience. My best friend never left and I live him and his very much.
I absolutely do. I think it stunts their personal growth. There are people I went to high school with who never left their home town. They also still believe the same things and behave the same way they did in high school. That is sad to me.
No. I would love to see more people step out of their comfort zones and explore the world beyond their hometowns, but some people prefer a calm, comfortable and familiar life. After I’m done with traveling the world in a few years time, I’ll probably settle down and do the same. Live and let live at the end of the day.
Yes and no. I don’t really care what others do, but sometimes I feel like going out and “seeing the world” or living in different areas, populations, diverse neighborhoods – I feel like it rounds you out or educates you or something like that.
I grew up in a small spot, basically all white, quiet and safe, only locals, middle class, bla bla. I did love it there and had a great childhood, but then I moved to the Midwest, then deep South, then New England – been in really classy neighborhoods and really NOT classy. Idk, I think it has shaped who I am, and of course broadened my perspective of people and places.
Judge? No. But I recognize the differences between their lives and mine.
I’ve moved around a ton and in many ways have had a very rich life filled with experiences many won’t ever have. I have friends all over the world. I can comfortably and easily live just about anywhere.
But people who never left have things I didn’t previously value, like a strong sense of local community and easy lifelong friendships (that they don’t have to put in so much EFFORT to maintain). These are things I now crave and envy.
Just different life paths, neither is better than the other.
No. There are a lot of reasons people stay. Not everyone is blessed with the means to leave or travel internationally. I’ve lived in a few states briefly but am back in my hometown to settle and have my family. Both my parents had major medical issues, so I needed to be close. My in-laws are close, so my children get to see them frequently. Plus the area is affordable, quiet, and lovely.
Judge? No. But leaving my hometown and experiencing other areas, with different food, plants, animals, weather, and culture, was the most valuable thing I ever did for myself. Everyone should leave, if only temporarily. It gives you perspective – speaking as a proud northerner who suddenly learned a lot about the south.
Only when they speak about things as if they have. “San Francisco is a liberal hell hole!” “all of Chicago is a war zone!” “junkies are so thick in Philadelphia they block roads!”
I used to judge myself for never leaving my home town and then I read the Art of how to not give a Fuck and one part stuck with me
People that travel and have wanderlust will see things that others will never see and experience
People that choose to live in one area will have relationships, build communities, and get to experience things that require being in one place for longer than the traveler is willing to spend
Neither is better than the other, but you have to decide for yourself what is the right path.
The only person I’d judge is myself if I moved back….personal choice and I’d be disappointed in myself for going backwards. Everyone’s different and some people love it I despise it. You’ll never catch me at a high school reunion.
No, because not everyone comes from Bum-fuck-Nowhere, Fly-over State, USA. Someone of us where actually born and raised in decent places with job opportunities and fun things to do
When you move, you’re just moving to someone else’s home town. Other people leave their home town and move to yours. Why be judgy about people who stayed where you moved, or moved to your home town?
What I do judge people on is their ability to accept theirs is not the only valid world view.
I don’t judge them, but I do feel sorry for their lack of culture and diversity they will have in their life.
I think a lot of problems people have are assuming that everywhere is just like where they themselves live. And that people are all the same. If you get out and venture far you’ll see a lot of problems you have don’t exist in other places and that people are very very different, which is why none of us can get along anymore. No one respects that diversity
Sometimes. I had a friend who had all these great plans but then did nothing. She was so smart and capable. But she never went to college like she planned and she got knocked up by some shit guy, she got a job at the grocery store and has been there for 20 years just making a couple bucks over minimum wage.
Another person I know never left but did great, went to a school nearby and got a great job and is doing fantastic.
I’m glad I left and I think the people who didn’t branch out are missing out on an opportunity to grow. That’s not a secret take, that’s public. But what’s also public is frankly I don’t think about the people who didn’t leave my hone town very much at all. I also don’t think about the ones that did much either.
If they are not curious, then I find I have little in common with people.
Some people live in the same place but vacation/travel a lot.
Some people live in the same place because external circumstances keep them there, including limited income, unexpected health issues, family matters, etc.
Some people travel or move away but don’t learn anything from it.
It’s really about being curious and wanting to learn.
No… are we supposed to move miles away? Are we animals that migrate? What the hell kinda question is this? If people are happy, able to pay bills and live, why does it matter if they ever moved?
From my own hometown? Definitely not, it’s a highly desirable city.
Other places? Also no, it’s not attainable for most/many to leave. There are too many factors. You can be not small-minded and not leave.
Nope. Most of the people I went to school with stayed in our hometown or very near.
But I judge the absolut hell out of the ones that did and talk crap about the ones that did and claim we think less of them.
I moved away as soon as possible and managed to become an expat and lave lived all over the world for about 20 years now. It sounds cool and all but the reality is I still have bills, a job, traffic jams, disagreements with the neighbors, flat tires, ect… pretty much I have a normal life with the same normal day to day crap. I just do it in a new country and culture and start over every few years on top of worrying about immigration and visa issues. Most people cant fathum the stress to trying to live and have a life when it can all go up in smoke if someone at immigration is having.a bad day and always having to have a backup plan to sell everything and move with less than a months warning. I love it. But its not as glorious as some people make it out to be. I’m not rich, I’m not jet off to exotic locations every weekend. I just got lucky and landed in a career that has allowed me to see, experience, and live in so many places and cultures.
I very quickly learned that I cant tell my funny stories, complain about the traffic, how high rent prices are in (insert city here), or telling the latest dating horror story of me doing something on a data thats a major no no in (insert country here) without someone saying it must be nice being rich in a snarky way.
I do not even bother going back to my home town any more.
Comments
No, because I really don’t care what people do or not do with their lives
I wouldnt judge them because I dont judge people at all really
No. I judge people sometimes on absurdist askreddit posts… but I draw the line there.
No way, I honestly vouldn’t care less
Why would I judge someone who could be extremely happy with their life? Isn’t what’s important?
Depends on the why and their hometown
Not actively, but I notice that people who don’t leave their hometown or travel, or have lived outside, particularly happen to be narrowminded people.
No, why would I care?
Depends on the person.
I do judge them if they clearly never grew as a person at all. I truly think some people need a change in scenery, at least for a little bit, to have character growth.
Even then, I’m judging them for not seeking out different perspectives more than I am for them not having moved from their hometown. Its entirely possible to live where you always have and seek out different perspectives, after all.
No, what is there to care about?
No, because I am neither 16 nor an asshole.
I publicly judge people who give a shit about such things.
I envy them in a way. I get bored and keep moving but have never found new places any better
No, I don’t judge people, if it is not something illegal, they can do whatever they want.
No but I was judged. I did move to bigger cities and eventually returned to my hometown where I made my life near perfect. Regardless, there were always people that seemed bothered with it
For me it depends if they continue to grow or not. If they keep a closed mind bc they haven’t exposed themselves to different viewpoints and experiences, then I tend to judge that — mainly bc these are the same people who often are so sure they are correct about how the world works. Otherwise, no judgement. In fact, sometimes I am in awe that they can stay and become well-rounded, happy people who continue to grow in one place.
Travel is fatal to prejuidce, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
Mark Twain
I think it depends on the reason. Some people stay because of family, community, or financial reasons and there’s nothing wrong with that. Growth isn’t always tied to geography; you can evolve a lot without ever leaving your hometown. But at the same time, stepping out of your comfort zone, even temporarily, can offer perspective you might not get otherwise.
No because I still live in my hometown. Still go out to new places, but I love the small town feel.
No. What’s the difference as long as they are happy?
Only myself. My view was I needed to leave to see other parts of the country, if not the world.
Unlike half the people in this thread, I do recognize the sentiment of thinking others never aspired to anything greater than what they already know and never stepped outside their comfort zone
I don’t spend any time thinking about other people if I can help it
I left, they stayed. I sometimes wish I could go back but can’t afford it and would get bored again. They sometimes wish they’d had more diverse life experiences but they’re rooted. I don’t call my feelings towards them judgements. Mostly, I ponder if I would have been able to stick it out as long as they have, and I’m sure every time I would have left eventually.
Yes, because living elsewhere seems important to expand your perspective and pursue a broader range of opportunities. But obviously everyone is different and should do as they please.
Buncha fuckin liars in here, you bet your ass I do.
Absolutely not. I wish I’d never left my CA hometown. Now, I’ll never be able to afford living there
I wouldn’t say I judge them, but sometimes I find it surprising.
Especially in the case of really small towns.
But there’s a lot of reasons people may not move. For some in may not be a option financially, some may want to or even need to look after family members who live there, some may be genuinely happy and content with where they are etc.
It’s a lot different from my experience – I could not wait to get out of my home city. But it’s not as though going one way in life is “right” and the other is “wrong.” Everyone is different, so different things are going to be the best decision for them.
I judge ppl who have never left their home town and never taken an international trip or even just one international trip and they talk politics as if they understand how the world works.
Usually those people are “America is the best and only country in the world. Let’s put 50% tariffs on everything”
I don’t. In my hometown it’s unusual to move away. However I will be breaking that cycle by moving abroad.
I made the conscious decision to stay here in my hometown for a few reasons.
Everyone is always saying to travel the world to see what it has to offer you. I hate being told what to do. So I decided to stay and witness the change of time, and to see what the world would bring to me.
I’ve grown and matured, now I see that the people who were the loudest at proclaiming the necessity of moving away are moving back.
My brother was married to a woman who full on freaked out when he wanted to move to a city 30 mins away bc she couldn’t be “that far” from her mom. She was in her 30s. You bet I judged her lol
I judge myself for leaving a beautiful quiet town and moving into a huge city that is the armpit of the universe.
People who brag they are, as an example, fourth generation of living in a spot are always the most boring people you will ever meet.
They have never left their town, their county, their state and act like somehow that makes them superior to you and use that to judge you as inferior. I can’t Imagine having absolutely no desire to live somewhere else, to vacation or explore some other part of the world.
To some extent I envy them if they stayed because they had a rich life with a good circle of friends and family that they didn’t want to leave.
No. Judging people is pointless.
As long as they are happy and respectful : all good
No. We should all live where we are comfortable and in a place that we like. If that is in your hometown then great, if it’s not awesome.
Yes. To me, that is equivalent to never evolving. Like, being the type to never grow from chicken nuggets and juice boxes. Nothing wrong with it, and I occasionally like to indulge in it, but I’ve grown up. Also, I can’t even imagine those in small towns who are not exposed to a pinch of diversity in any way, shape, and form. That’s why a lot of rural communities are stuck and wonder why so much crap is beneath the surface (figuratively speaking). My opinion is my opinion, yours is yours.
Yes, sometimes. There’s a whole group of people from my school that never left and they are all still best friends in their 40’s. They’re all suuuuper conservative and drink themselves silly on weekends.
Maybe I’m just jealous that they don’t have kids and can afford to live in Southern California 😂. I moved away for grad school and am stuck in a Midwest soccer mom hell of my own creation.
Of course not. And I wish more of yall stayed in your own home town and stopped moving to mine! We’re full.
…if you knew my hometown, you’d get behind the slight judgment…
No, because most of the ppl in my area are still living in or near our hometown. It’s expensive to move. And hard to start over somewhere else, especially if you have no family nearby.
You judge them because you are jealous that you moved away and still can’t be as happy as they are in a place you loathed. Otherwise you wouldn’t give a rats ass.
I did when I was young and dumb. I do not now. Most people want to live around the people and things they know. I actually judge people a lot harder who tell people who are getting priced out of their hometown to just move somewhere cheaper, as if that’s the only consideration for where to live.
Sometimes I’m a little jealous but I wouldn’t trade the life that I’ve had.
The only time I would say I judge is if they have a very small-minded view because they never left their home. I think it is really important for individual growth to experience other world views and ways of living. Doesn’t mean you can’t come back home once you know that’s where you want to stay… but I think it is important to experience it at least once
I wish I’d done it when I had the chance.
I did when I was younger but then I moved to an amazing area where a lot of people stayed and I fully understand why someone would want to stay here their whole life
I have lived in 2 different houses in a small neighborhood my whole 73 year life.
I am jealous of them! They bought homes early, already had good connections and never have to learn a new place.
I did for a long time because not leaving your hometown reveals a lot about a person. However, I’ve traveled quite a bit and lived abroad extensively. I’m from the U.S (lived in Japan for 2 years, China 5 years, South Africa 1 year and traveled to many other countries besides) but in all my travels whats been fascinating to me is despite the differences in our cultures & perspectives is that EVERY SINGLE person I’ve had the pleasure and honor of having a meaningful conversation with in my travels eventually reveals that their greatest pleasures in life are good food (or drink) , good company, and a loving family. Which I eventually realized that those people who never leave their hometown never go without. And to me, that’s pretty special.
I don’t think I’d say I “judge” them bc people should do whatever they want and whatever they think makes them happy. But I will say that moving away from my hometown was the best thing I ever did for myself. Moving from a rural area where everyone was so homogeneous to an urban center and meeting people from all walks of life showed me a lot and made me very self-aware in a way I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise. You can read about ideas and cultures in books but until you’re around people you just won’t get a lot of it. I think everyone should go on a sabbatical and out of their comfort zones.
why judge. it’s their lives, unless you pay their rent/mortgage and bills, so long theyre not bothering your home or family, not sure why can you have any input in their lives,
Genuinely asking, is it an American thing to move away from their hometown or home state as soon as possible? I see a lot of people online saying how they moved away to a different city or state.
In Toronto, everyone that I know my age (22) has no plans to move away. Even people my parents age (earlier 40s) all have stayed in the city.
At the most, my family and some extended family members have moved around different parts of the city due to better housing prices but genuinely stay in the city or just right outside the city.
I used to. But then I got older and realized just how difficult it is to just get up and move. There are so many factors to consider. There’s a reason why most people in the world end up kind of staying around their hometowns.
I never thought much of it until I moved to a small town. There’s something different about people who never left. A lot of them married their high school sweetheart, have all the same friends, and never got to know anyone who lived any different kind of life. Their minds are still stuck in high school. Any change scares them.
There’s also real fear of outsiders here. If you didn’t grow up in town, you’re treated as suspect, no matter how kind you are. My kid’s principal was basically run out because he wasn’t “one of them.” That’s all it took. He didn’t grow up here. He grew up 15 minutes away.
Small towns are weird. They can be wonderful and terrible all at the same time.
No, why would I? Why would anyone?
Moved? No, never leaving their county line, even for a trip? Yes
I openly judge them, including the ones I’m related to. It’s a big world, move away from your parents.
Yes and no. I definitely think anyone who doesn’t leave their hometown is doing themselves a disservice and have noticed in my experience that those people typically hold onto bigoted ignorant mindsets and don’t bother to try to learn any better and I simply cannot respect that
Yes. 90% of them are now alcoholics and hang out at the local bar every night and most of what they talk about is their “golden years” in high school, or they got into hard drugs, and not the good ones. Many are still living with their parents, which is often a great thing! But they act like children and their maturity ended in HS I think because of it. Honestly I don’t think you have to move away forever, but living on your own for a year or two really makes you grow up. Another reason why college is great and we should revolt because it’s a fucking scam with how expensive it is. Make education affordable so people can experience this if they want it.
I try not to, but in some cases I do judge for this, especially if they talk shit about people who are exploring beyond the familiar.
Depends on the hometown!
why would I judge someone for not moving? That seems like such an odd thing to fixate on. If they are happy where they are at, then that’s great. It makes me a little sad when people feel they are trapped in their hometown and can’t move away without people being mad at them, because that is not someone living their best. I would have stayed in my hometown if there had been job opportunities there. But there weren’t.
Not necessarily never moved away, but if they’ve never even left, yes.
It’s perfectly fine to go explore other places and realize you want to be where you lived. It is very different to never leave your little enclave and stay.
It also depends on where you grew up.
I think for most people, at some point you NEED to leave your hometown to open your mind to different things. Even if you live in a very diverse place like NYC, you should still at some point leave and realize everything isn’t like NYC.
Not for not ever leaving especially if their life is good where they are. I do judge people who endlessly complain about how terrible the town is, that there is nothing to do, all the people suck etc. but spend all their money on booze cigarettes and coke in the same 5 local bars all the while refusing to try anything new and saying they can’t afford to move. Can you tell I know a lot of people like that? Sigh.
All I know is, the people I went to high school with that never left are pretty much all a bunch of racist maga types. I’m definitely judging that
Not for never moving away, I only judge if they literally never left.
Example: a guy seemed interested, we exchanged numbers. Turns out he’s never seen the ocean, or left the state, or really the general area. The ocean thing would be acceptable… if we didn’t live on the coast. It’s like 90 minutes or less to the ocean, there’s even a dedicated bike route from my town to the ocean. That’s the type of people I judge.
Are you supposed to?
Depends on the person.
Why would I judge the lovely grandma who’s never left the town, but is constantly doing her best to be nice to and help others?
However that local yokel who never outgrew their high school days, and says some really ignorant shit? Yeah they’re getting judged.
Also just because they left their town doesn’t mean they ever grew up.
I know several people who have lived in other towns/states and I would still judge them poorly as they never actually learned anything from the experience.
Not at all. I do think that people who spend their entire life in one place are missing out on a lot but at the same time I recognize that I have missed out on having roots somewhere and feeling like I belong. You can’t have it all.
I do sometimes, I often find the people who stay in their hometown are boring and close-minded
I’ll judge you if not moving away from your home town makes you a small-minded individual with stupid ass opinions that don’t take the rest of the world into account. You are connected to the rest of the world through the global economy, and more, even if you think you aren’t.
I openly do. Mostly because they put their small town views on a public forum polluting the overall conversation. Fucking experience something before shunning it before all.
Only timed Ive judged anyone for that, she got a degrees, bachelor’s then eventually masters, in a field that had no jobs in our area and refused to move or even commute because she wanted to be close to her family, and not like same city close but right next to thier house close. She even stated, she could of gotten jobs in neighboring cities which would of been a 45 to hour drive. Yes that drive would suck but don’t complain you’re in your mid 30s, still working the same restaurant job since you were 17.
Honestly yes, I judge people who willingly stay ignorant . I have friends (a couple) who live in their village less than 1000 residents with one pub and one post office, they don’t want to socialise with people who aren’t in their village, to the point they get their shopping delivered and they order everything off amazon . They work in the village and have no hobbies outside of netflix and what they can do in the village (Which is basically walking around or the pub) . We only see them when we go over to their house as they, again, don’t want to leave the village . One of them was raised in this village, his other half was raised in an equally small village . Insane imo I try not to judge but they irritate me when their big life complaint is their neighbour hasn’t mowed the lawn this week
Yes. There’s a whole world out there beyond your bubble. Go test it out. I know people who did that and then went back to their hometown – but that’s great! At least they tried something new and made an informed decision about what they want.
I’m from a very small, rural state. People never leave here. Never try new foods. Shun outsiders. It’s gross.
Yes, because they often stay in their old habits, don’t try new things, don’t realise that the world is so big. Their world is often but not always smaller.
Yes I do. There is so much culture. And the people back at my hometown keep a narrow veiw of the world. That being said, I try to invite them and talk and share as much as possible. Those who are afraid to try new things will be restrictive if given power, imo and experience. My best friend never left and I live him and his very much.
Yes, 100%. There’s a whole world out there. Fortune favors the bold
I absolutely do. I think it stunts their personal growth. There are people I went to high school with who never left their home town. They also still believe the same things and behave the same way they did in high school. That is sad to me.
No. I would love to see more people step out of their comfort zones and explore the world beyond their hometowns, but some people prefer a calm, comfortable and familiar life. After I’m done with traveling the world in a few years time, I’ll probably settle down and do the same. Live and let live at the end of the day.
Should I? Everyone has different paths.
You don’t know the story of why they are still there. There’s often actually reasons.
Yes and no. I don’t really care what others do, but sometimes I feel like going out and “seeing the world” or living in different areas, populations, diverse neighborhoods – I feel like it rounds you out or educates you or something like that.
I grew up in a small spot, basically all white, quiet and safe, only locals, middle class, bla bla. I did love it there and had a great childhood, but then I moved to the Midwest, then deep South, then New England – been in really classy neighborhoods and really NOT classy. Idk, I think it has shaped who I am, and of course broadened my perspective of people and places.
Judge? No. But I recognize the differences between their lives and mine.
I’ve moved around a ton and in many ways have had a very rich life filled with experiences many won’t ever have. I have friends all over the world. I can comfortably and easily live just about anywhere.
But people who never left have things I didn’t previously value, like a strong sense of local community and easy lifelong friendships (that they don’t have to put in so much EFFORT to maintain). These are things I now crave and envy.
Just different life paths, neither is better than the other.
People who have never left their hometown don’t get an opinion in anything I do.
I just feel bad for them
Yes, because my hometown is a hellhole full of inbred bigots. Hate crimes are a weekend activity.
i know a lot of people who never left the hometown i grew up in. They were born there, raised there… will probably die there.
I’m from New York City.. probably should have led with that 🤔
No bc shit happens and sometimes you gotta move back
I only judge if they say they like Coldplay.
The rest means nothing to me
No, some people like to stay around family and what they know. Others like to take a huge risk and explore. It’s whatever 🤷🏽♀️
No. There are a lot of reasons people stay. Not everyone is blessed with the means to leave or travel internationally. I’ve lived in a few states briefly but am back in my hometown to settle and have my family. Both my parents had major medical issues, so I needed to be close. My in-laws are close, so my children get to see them frequently. Plus the area is affordable, quiet, and lovely.
Judge? No. But leaving my hometown and experiencing other areas, with different food, plants, animals, weather, and culture, was the most valuable thing I ever did for myself. Everyone should leave, if only temporarily. It gives you perspective – speaking as a proud northerner who suddenly learned a lot about the south.
Only when they speak about things as if they have. “San Francisco is a liberal hell hole!” “all of Chicago is a war zone!” “junkies are so thick in Philadelphia they block roads!”
I used to judge myself for never leaving my home town and then I read the Art of how to not give a Fuck and one part stuck with me
People that travel and have wanderlust will see things that others will never see and experience
People that choose to live in one area will have relationships, build communities, and get to experience things that require being in one place for longer than the traveler is willing to spend
Neither is better than the other, but you have to decide for yourself what is the right path.
Only the people who piss and moan about their lives. I grew up in a really small town and I couldn’t wait to get out.
I have acquaintances who stayed and are happy with that life. I wish those people the best even if it wouldn’t be my choice
The people who stayed but complain constantly are the ones who I judge hard. They’ve had 20+ years to adapt yet continue with the status quo
The only person I’d judge is myself if I moved back….personal choice and I’d be disappointed in myself for going backwards. Everyone’s different and some people love it I despise it. You’ll never catch me at a high school reunion.
No, because not everyone comes from Bum-fuck-Nowhere, Fly-over State, USA. Someone of us where actually born and raised in decent places with job opportunities and fun things to do
When you move, you’re just moving to someone else’s home town. Other people leave their home town and move to yours. Why be judgy about people who stayed where you moved, or moved to your home town?
What I do judge people on is their ability to accept theirs is not the only valid world view.
No.
In fact I look down more on the people who do judge others for shit like that. Get over yourself.
I don’t judge them, but I do feel sorry for their lack of culture and diversity they will have in their life.
I think a lot of problems people have are assuming that everywhere is just like where they themselves live. And that people are all the same. If you get out and venture far you’ll see a lot of problems you have don’t exist in other places and that people are very very different, which is why none of us can get along anymore. No one respects that diversity
Sometimes. I had a friend who had all these great plans but then did nothing. She was so smart and capable. But she never went to college like she planned and she got knocked up by some shit guy, she got a job at the grocery store and has been there for 20 years just making a couple bucks over minimum wage.
Another person I know never left but did great, went to a school nearby and got a great job and is doing fantastic.
Never, cos i know how it feels to be go to other cities/ country just to make my life better
Not judge but I can see a difference in how they interpret different cultures/opinions/information. Usually with fear, anger, and distrust.
Yes and I’m one of them.
I’m glad I left and I think the people who didn’t branch out are missing out on an opportunity to grow. That’s not a secret take, that’s public. But what’s also public is frankly I don’t think about the people who didn’t leave my hone town very much at all. I also don’t think about the ones that did much either.
Only if they never shut up about it.
If they are not curious, then I find I have little in common with people.
Some people live in the same place but vacation/travel a lot.
Some people live in the same place because external circumstances keep them there, including limited income, unexpected health issues, family matters, etc.
Some people travel or move away but don’t learn anything from it.
It’s really about being curious and wanting to learn.
No… are we supposed to move miles away? Are we animals that migrate? What the hell kinda question is this? If people are happy, able to pay bills and live, why does it matter if they ever moved?
From my own hometown? Definitely not, it’s a highly desirable city.
Other places? Also no, it’s not attainable for most/many to leave. There are too many factors. You can be not small-minded and not leave.
I judge people who judge people for staying in their hometown. Life’s not a competition. Some people just like where they’re from.
Nope. Most of the people I went to school with stayed in our hometown or very near.
But I judge the absolut hell out of the ones that did and talk crap about the ones that did and claim we think less of them.
I moved away as soon as possible and managed to become an expat and lave lived all over the world for about 20 years now. It sounds cool and all but the reality is I still have bills, a job, traffic jams, disagreements with the neighbors, flat tires, ect… pretty much I have a normal life with the same normal day to day crap. I just do it in a new country and culture and start over every few years on top of worrying about immigration and visa issues. Most people cant fathum the stress to trying to live and have a life when it can all go up in smoke if someone at immigration is having.a bad day and always having to have a backup plan to sell everything and move with less than a months warning. I love it. But its not as glorious as some people make it out to be. I’m not rich, I’m not jet off to exotic locations every weekend. I just got lucky and landed in a career that has allowed me to see, experience, and live in so many places and cultures.
I very quickly learned that I cant tell my funny stories, complain about the traffic, how high rent prices are in (insert city here), or telling the latest dating horror story of me doing something on a data thats a major no no in (insert country here) without someone saying it must be nice being rich in a snarky way.
I do not even bother going back to my home town any more.
Only if they continuously bitch about their hometown while still living there
yes, i judge my sister on every single thing she does, including this and marrying her bf that she met when they were 13 lol
Fact of the matter is, if you’re still thinking this way past the age of 21, you’re part of the problem that needs to be fixed.
Life is an extremely complicated beast that no amount of anecdotal evidence is going to be able to over-simplify like this.