How small? If it's really small town, there is one place where all the natives meet for coffee in the morning. It's a ritual type thing. They probably have a long table where all the regulars sit. Ours is called the "Liars Table". If you are an outsider, you can't just sit there, but you can work your way in over time. Important thing is, if you are coming in cold it takes time to gain that status as a regular.
There is usually the early morning work group the is younger than the morning 9:00 group. But if you arrive at a time when one or two people are seated, and strike up a conversation with someone, and then ask if you may join them, and then pretty much keep you mouth shut and let that person introduce you, or not introduce you whereupon you will have to try again another day.
Most everyone at the table has a multi-generational tie to the other people. My grandfather, your grandfather, may dad, your dad, my brothers, your brothers, me, you type relationship, and most of them will be related on some level. I had a seat at the table after moving back to town, if for no other reason than this.
You will recognize right off when the Alpha males come in. They are not Alpha because the are biggest, or strongest, or bullies, but because of they are very respected, regarded because of their irreproachable character, integrity, and a level of respect earned over lifetime of consistent good living,. These men will not be puffing or gloating, but will usually be the quietest of the bunch. They will make you feel welcome no matter who you are, and will be please to meet you. Be respectful. Be quite. Be of good character, and you will be treated likewise.
I was going to describe all the other character types at the table, but I am running out of steam.
It's really a unique dynamic that happens at the Liars Tables across America.. Had I the ability of say a Lewis Grizzard, I'm quite sure I could right an award winning book about it.
Really small, and most people have been here for generations. So we do stand out. Also we don't have the nearly incomprehensible Downeast Maine accent. Most everyone is very polite and respectful, but many are xenophobic and suspicious of others.
I just moved to this small town and the naive neighbors are already on to me. Kids see it right away. I just smile.
How small? If it's really small town, there is one place where all the natives meet for coffee in the morning. It's a ritual type thing. They probably have a long table where all the regulars sit. Ours is called the "Liars Table". If you are an outsider, you can't just sit there, but you can work your way in over time. Important thing is, if you are coming in cold it takes time to gain that status as a regular.
There is usually the early morning work group the is younger than the morning 9:00 group. But if you arrive at a time when one or two people are seated, and strike up a conversation with someone, and then ask if you may join them, and then pretty much keep you mouth shut and let that person introduce you, or not introduce you whereupon you will have to try again another day.
Most everyone at the table has a multi-generational tie to the other people. My grandfather, your grandfather, may dad, your dad, my brothers, your brothers, me, you type relationship, and most of them will be related on some level. I had a seat at the table after moving back to town, if for no other reason than this.
You will recognize right off when the Alpha males come in. They are not Alpha because the are biggest, or strongest, or bullies, but because of they are very respected, regarded because of their irreproachable character, integrity, and a level of respect earned over lifetime of consistent good living,. These men will not be puffing or gloating, but will usually be the quietest of the bunch. They will make you feel welcome no matter who you are, and will be please to meet you. Be respectful. Be quite. Be of good character, and you will be treated likewise.
I was going to describe all the other character types at the table, but I am running out of steam.
It's really a unique dynamic that happens at the Liars Tables across America.. Had I the ability of say a Lewis Grizzard, I'm quite sure I could right an award winning book about it.
Really small, and most people have been here for generations. So we do stand out. Also we don't have the nearly incomprehensible Downeast Maine accent. Most everyone is very polite and respectful, but many are xenophobic and suspicious of others.