Living My Truth in a Rural Paradise

August 27, 2024

In rural areas, everyone tends to know each other and it's both comforting and daunting, as. you can imagine. For a gay man, this means that discovering my true self in a place where conformity often ruled wasn't easy. But it taught me resilience and the importance of self-acceptance.

Living My Truth in a Rural Paradise

The Excitement and Risks of Cruising in a Rural Setting

Living in a rural paradise might seem idyllic, but for someone like me who thrives on adventure, it also comes with its fair share of obstacles, especially when it comes to casual encounters. Cruising in wide-open spaces adds an extra layer of excitement, but also a layer of risk. The thrill comes from the discreet glances, the stolen moments, and the unpredictability of who might show up. But the risks are real: it’s hard to be anonymous when there are only so many places to go and so few people who might be there for the same reason.

  • Stumbling upon a hidden spot, realizing it’s a local cruising area.
  • The adrenaline rush when someone meets your gaze and you both understand what’s on offer without saying a word.
  • The awkward moment when someone familiar suddenly appears in a space meant for anonymity.

Unlike the big city, where you can disappear into the crowd, rural cruising requires more care. The chances of bumping into someone you know are high, and discretion becomes key. That said, the secrecy adds a kind of tension that only heightens the experience, making it both thrilling and stressful.

Dating in a Rural Setting

Casual Encounters: More Complicated Than It Seems

Casual sex with multiple men is part of the life I’ve chosen, but in a rural area, it’s not as straightforward as it would be in a more populated place. The pool of available partners is smaller, and the logistics are tricky.

On top of that, there’s the issue of small-mindedness that’s more common out here. Some guys are simply not interested in anything beyond the basics, and their limited outlooks make the whole process frustrating.

  • Driving miles to meet someone, only to find they’re too nervous or cautious to do anything remotely adventurous.
  • Meeting men who are afraid to step out of the routine or who are stuck in narrow ideas about what’s acceptable.
  • Guys who only want the same dull experience every time, unwilling to explore anything different.

The practical side is also a hassle. It’s not like there’s a cluster of options nearby. Often, it takes long drives and waiting around, only to end up with guys who aren’t on the same page. Casual encounters are supposed to be fun, but they often end up feeling like more trouble than they’re worth. There’s also a sense of monotony that creeps in when people around here are too cautious to explore their sexuality fully.

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Breakups and Awkward Encounters in a Small Community

Breakups are never easy, but when you’re in a small town, there’s no easy way to distance yourself. It’s one thing to end things, but it’s another to constantly run into your ex in places you both frequent. Out here, it feels like everyone knows your business, and trying to move on becomes more difficult when everyone’s watching.

  • The discomfort of seeing your ex at the only grocery store in town.
  • Dealing with mutual acquaintances who seem to take sides or stir the pot.
  • The irritation of hearing rumors spread about why things didn’t work out, often exaggerated or completely wrong.

There’s no easy escape in a small place. You can’t just block someone and hope never to see them again. The overlap in social circles means there’s a constant reminder of what once was, and pretending like it doesn’t bother you is just part of getting through it. You end up learning how to compartmentalize and accept that some encounters are inevitable.

Love Will Tear Us Apart

Peaceful surroundings, nature at your doorstep, and a slower pace of life. But the isolation that comes with rural life can put a strain on relationships. You move out to the countryside thinking it will bring you closer, but then you realize how much you relied on the distractions of city life.

The quiet amplifies everything - small disagreements, differences in lifestyle, and the things you used to ignore because you were too busy. Suddenly, your partner’s quirks that once seemed charming might start to feel like deal-breakers.

You’re spending more time with each other because there’s simply not much else to do. What used to be quality time now feels like an obligation. It’s easy to start resenting each other when you’re both feeling stuck, miles away from the life you used to know.

So yeah, love could tear you apart in the beautiful countryside. If anything, living in isolation might highlight cracks in the relationship you didn’t even know were there.

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The Frustration of Small-Minded Guys Who Stick to the Same Old Routine

One of the more irritating things about living out here is the lack of variety and adventure when it comes to casual sex. A lot of the guys around here are set in their ways and seem scared to step outside the box. Whether it’s due to fear of judgment, or simply not knowing any better, they keep things dull and predictable, which can get old real fast.

  • Meeting someone new only to realize they’re uncomfortable trying anything different.
  • Encountering guys who are too afraid of being seen by anyone else and keep things so low-key that it ruins the mood.
  • The frustration of constantly running into guys who have a fixed routine and no desire to change it.

It’s one thing to want discretion, but it’s another to be so rigid that it takes the fun out of everything. The mindset here often limits what’s possible, making what should be an enjoyable experience feel like more of a chore. For those of us who crave excitement, this kind of small-mindedness feels suffocating. It’s not just about what happens behind closed doors; it’s the entire outlook that makes everything feel limited and repetitive.

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Finding Peace in Nature When Things Get Overwhelming

Despite the difficulties of dating and hookups, the natural surroundings offer some comfort. The landscapes here provide a kind of quiet retreat from all the complications of living this life. Whether I’ve just had a run-in with an ex, or I’m frustrated after another dead-end encounter, escaping into the countryside gives me some space to breathe.

  • Walking through open fields to clear my head after an argument.
  • Sitting by a secluded lake to relax after a disappointing hookup.
  • Taking in the quiet of the forest after feeling drained by the small-town drama.

Nature doesn’t judge, and it doesn’t come with all the strings attached to the human side of things. In those moments, I’m reminded of why I chose to live here despite all the difficulties that come with it. The wide-open spaces help keep things in perspective, even when it feels like everything else is closing in.

Reflecting on the Choices I’ve Made

Life in a rural setting isn’t for everyone, especially when you’re someone who values adventure, spontaneity, and variety in your relationships. The thrill of cruising, the ups and downs of casual sex, and the struggles of dealing with small-town mindsets are all part of what I’ve chosen to embrace. It’s not easy, but it’s real, and that’s what makes it worthwhile for me.

  • Making peace with the limited options available, even if it’s not always satisfying.
  • Accepting that boredom and repetition are sometimes unavoidable but still searching for those moments that break the routine.
  • Understanding that despite all the complications, this is still the life I’ve built and chosen to stick with.

In the end, living my truth here is about making the best of what’s available, even when it’s far from ideal. The mix of isolation and intimacy in a rural setting has its own unique flavor, and I’ve found ways to thrive in it, even when it’s tough. I wouldn’t have it any other way, flaws and all.

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Let's Find Out About Yourself - Country Life

Questions

1. How do you feel about quiet evenings?

  • A) Love them, the quieter, the better.
  • B) They're okay occasionally.
  • C) Prefer a buzz of activity around me.

2. What's your stance on community involvement?

  • A) Thrive in tight-knit communities and love local events.
  • B) Enjoy it sometimes but value privacy.
  • C) Prefer a wide circle of acquaintances and big social scenes.

3. Your ideal weekend activity involves:

  • A) Gardening or hiking in nature.
  • B) A mix of outdoor and indoor leisure.
  • C) Urban exploration or dining out.

4. How do you handle solitude?

  • A) Find it refreshing and revitalizing.
  • B) Don't mind it in doses.
  • C) Avoid it, prefer constant company.

5. Your reaction to seeing wildlife around your home would be:

  • A) Excitement and respect for nature.
  • B) Mild interest.
  • C) Discomfort or annoyance.

6. How important is having immediate access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment?

  • A) Not very; I prefer the peace of rural areas.
  • B) It's nice, but I can live without it.
  • C) Very; I need these conveniences close by.

7. Your take on doing most home repairs or improvements yourself?

  • A) Eager to learn and do it myself.
  • B) Willing to try some things, but might need help.
  • C) Prefer to hire professionals.

8. Your ideal home setting is:

  • A) Surrounded by nature, away from the hustle.
  • B) A quiet suburb not too far from the city.
  • C) In the heart of a bustling city.

9. How do you feel about a long commute to work or amenities?

  • A) Don't mind at all; it's worth the trade-off.
  • B) It's okay if it's not every day.
  • C) Prefer everything within a short distance.

10. Your approach to Internet connectivity is:

  • A) Fine with limited service; I don't need to be online all the time.
  • B) As long as basic needs are met, I'm okay.
  • C) High-speed, reliable internet is a must for me.

Advice On Your Answers

1. Quiet evenings:

  • A) You'll likely enjoy the peacefulness of rural life. Consider finding a hobby to fill these quiet moments.
  • B) Rural evenings might grow on you, especially with the right outdoor or indoor activities.
  • C) You might miss the hustle of city life. Visiting rural areas first could help you adjust.

2. Community involvement:

  • A) You'll fit right in. Small communities often thrive on participation. Volunteering can be a great way to connect.
  • B) Rural areas can offer both community and privacy. Find a balance that suits you.
  • C) You may need to seek out social activities or consider locations with a more active social scene.

3. Weekend activities:

  • A) Rural areas offer plenty of outdoor adventures. Explore local trails and gardening clubs.
  • B) You'll find rural life offers both relaxation and activities. Local towns might have what you're after.
  • C) For city-like activities, look for rural areas with good access to nearby towns or cities.

4. Handling solitude:

  • A) Rural life's solitude can be enriching. Embrace the quiet to pursue personal projects or hobbies.
  • B) Find a community or hobbies that ensure you have a good mix of solitude and social interaction.
  • C) Consider locations that offer a sense of community or are closer to urban areas for social needs.

5. Seeing wildlife:

  • A) Your appreciation for nature will be rewarded. Consider contributing to local wildlife conservation efforts.
  • B) Learning about local wildlife can turn mild interest into appreciation.
  • C) It might take time to adjust. Researching how to coexist with wildlife safely can help.

6. Immediate access to amenities:

  • A) Embrace local markets and maybe start a garden. It's a different pace but can be very rewarding.
  • B) You'll adapt by planning trips for essentials and discovering local gems.
  • C) Look for rural areas with good transport links to cities to balance both worlds.

7. Home repairs/improvements:

  • A) Rural living often requires this skill. Local workshops or online tutorials can enhance your DIY abilities.
  • B) Community resources or local handymen can provide support while you learn.
  • C) It's a good idea to have a list of reliable service providers for when you need them.

8. Ideal home setting:

  • A) You're well-suited for rural life. Look for homes that offer the tranquility you seek.
  • B) Seek out quieter suburbs with easy access to both nature and urban amenities.
  • C) Visiting rural areas for short stays might satisfy your nature fix without giving up urban conveniences.

9. Long commute:

  • A) Podcasts, audiobooks, or carpooling can make the commute more enjoyable. Your sacrifice for tranquility is commendable.
  • B) Flexible work arrangements, like telecommuting, could be a good compromise.
  • C) Prioritizing locations with better access to your daily destinations might be essential for you.

10. Internet connectivity:

  • A) Perfect for truly unplugging. If needed, satellite internet might be an option.
  • B) Investigate the best service options in your area. A mix of online and offline activities can offer balance.
  • C) Ensure your new home has the connectivity you need, or look into solutions like boosting signals or satellite internet.
Author: Jonathan Creek

Nature's palette, queer expression - I'm a guest blogger who finds inspiration in the outdoors and loves to discover compassions through arts and music.

(It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan, who left us peacefully in August 2024, after a courageous battle with illness.)

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Raysurrection

A safe space free from judgment. Relationships, health, and personal growth for gay men. Advice, inspiration, sense of belonging, Raysurrection is your online haven for a joyful life.

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