"Outsiders" in Maine?

[starwalker]

Originally Posted by manywas

I've lived here a year now and am often reminded that I am an outsider. It's pretty weird. People seem to get a kick out of it. I guess it makes them feel superior or something. I suppose it could just be some bad apples. There appear to be some kind people, but they are the ones that don't make much noise, so they are a challenge to find.

Manywas. I have to ask how you are working to become a part of your community? We've had many folks say that their activity with (and I say that deliberately... not just "membership in") church and fraternal groups were where they built their network and found their place in community.

But as someone who has lived in several small towns and isolated areas, I can say it likely takes more time than in other places. I'm not a church goer nor much of a "joiner" but have an interest in history and have volunteered my talents with the local historical society where they are happy to have my professional services and as a bonus I am learning "where the bodies are buried." LOL So when folks talk about people and places they have known from their youth, I don't just sit there with a blank expression, and if they are not history buffs, who knows, I might even be able to ADD to the conversation!

But, like a lot of folks, I guess, I also mostly keep to myself, go to work (in a local business, which is also helping me to get to know folks), plan my garden and when folks say "you're not from around here are you?" I don't think much of it, but tell them that I'm here now, settled and loving it.

And, FWIW, a couple of my customers a week ago were sure my "not from around here" meant that I was from "the county!" LOL Not sure what that was about...

[spose]

Originally Posted by manywas

I've lived here a year now and am often reminded that I am an outsider. It's pretty weird. People seem to get a kick out of it. I guess it makes them feel superior or something. I suppose it could just be some bad apples. There appear to be some kind people, but they are the ones that don't make much noise, so they are a challenge to find.

Some people may be serious, but hopefully most are just trying to get a rise out of you. Is it possible that many people are just teasing you? Try rolling with it and see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Casper1212]

Easy, manywas. I was just in Maine and the first thing I noticed is that they love to jerk your chain. There is no ill intent. It is, in fact, their way of showing acceptance. They don't mean it seriously. At least, that's in general. I did get tired of people asking me if I was cold because I was wearing a coat when there was three feet of snow on the ground. And I almost came back with, "No, I'm not cold. I wore a coat. Are you having fun pretending you're not?" They probably would have laughed or had a good come-back of their own. Grow a thick skin. You live in Maine, now.