1. People will ask you why you're leaving.

Via giphy.com
Because there's a whole WORLD out there, duh.
2. And then, just as quickly, they'll ask you when you are moving back.

The CW
Maybe never.
3. People won't understand your need to get out, and will criticize you for it.

The CW / Via fruitbatfit.tumblr.com
"What about your family? Your friends?!" — Them
"There's this thing called a cell phone and the internet." — You
4. People will claim jealousy and say they wish they could leave.

ABC Family
Here's the thing: YOU CAN.
5. And every time you talk to someone from home, you'll get the same questions over and over again.

Walt Disney Pictures
So, do you like it? Think it's better than * insert city here * ? Coming back soon? LOL!
6. You'll visit and become nostalgic.

Universal Pictures
You'll begin to think, "Hey, it wasn't so bad."
7. Then the next day, you'll remember why you left.

Via breatheheavy.com
8. People will insist on always seeing you as the person you were in high school.

The CW
Let It GOOOOO.
9. You will start to communicate with old friends solely through Instagram likes.

Bravo
And random comments of, "Miss u so much!!! Come home!!"
10. You'll realize that you have a certain affinity and pride for your hometown, but that it is no longer your "home."

NBC
11. People that haven't talked to you in YEARS will suddenly contact you.

The CW
Because you're the one that ~ got away. ~
12. And similarly, people will constantly tell you about their sister's friend's cousin who ALSO lives in whatever city you're living in.

NBC
Just in case you needed a random person that you have no connection to, to hang out with.
13. You will find yourself missing the sounds that used to drive you insane.

FOX
Like crickets. Come back crickets.
14. And you will quickly realize that you couldn't possibly care less about the small town gossip any longer.

Universal Pictures / Via iluvgifs.tumblr.com
BECAUSE YOU'RE GONE! Byeeeee.
15. You will feel as if you have two different lives.

Paramount Pictures
Part 1: Hometown
Part 2: After You Left
16. Going back to visit will never feel quite the same.

Paramount Pictures
17. And while you may be happy to visit, at the end of the day, you know you made the right decision.

E4