Confession: Alabama Natives Should Hear This

It seems like almost every time I speak with someone who grew up in Alabama, they always end up looking at me strangely. I think I know why.

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After almost two years in Alabama, there is one thing I've still not mastered. It's learning about the different cities in West Alabama.

Can I be honest for a minute? There are places back home that I still haven't become familiar with so I don't know why I expect to be an expert on Alabama cities. I'm a friendly person. It doesn't matter where I am, I can strike up a conversation with anyone.

Here's how the conversations always goes when I'm speaking with Alabamians. After speaking on some things we might have in common, the conversation ends up taking an unexpected turn. The person is always born and raised in Alabama and they end up speaking about a random city. "I live in Tuscaloosa, but my family is from Union Springs."

Now at that point, I could just nod and smile then move on but it's hard for me to do. I feel like I'd be lying and I hate lying. I have to ask, "Where is that? Is it close to Mobile or the Gulf Coast?" At that point, I'd either be laughed at or get a really crazy look.

To everyone who's a native of Alabama, I'm sorry. I'm still learning and I'm trying my best to learn the state. Lol! Don't lose your patience with me, I promise I'll get better.

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