The 5 Stages of Realizing You’re Not Leaving Lubbock Anytime Soon

Nobody moves to Lubbock thinking, “This is it. This is where I’ll stay.”

No—Lubbock is always supposed to be temporary.

A stepping stone. A short Stop. A "just for now" situation. Whatever you want to call it.

But, you've been here for a while...

Much longer than you planned.

Whether you admit it or not, you've probably gone through these stages.

Stage 1: "I Am Not Staying Here."

This is pretty much how it always starts. You've got big plans. You'll be out of here in no time. You don't even bother learning the city because what's the point? You're leaving anyway...

(You are absolutely not leaving anytime soon...)

Stage 2: “Okay…Just a Little Longer”

Something happens. Maybe it's a job. Maybe it's money. Maybe you meet the girl of your dreams. Suddenly, leaving gets pushed back. You just "need to save up", or you'll "go next year instead."

You start getting more familiar with things. You know where to go. You've found a couple of hangs. A few friends. But, mentally? You're still halfway out the door. You're still big city dreamin'...

Read More: Finding Value In Lubbock: A Journey Back To Roots

Stage 3: “Why Am I Getting So Comfortable?”

You're recommending restaurants left and right.

You know the fastest routes to get places without even thinking.

You suddenly catch yourself defending Lubbock.

And really, defending it is when you know something has truly shifted.

But you've begun to realize that this place is affordable, manageable, and predictable. You didn't plan on getting comfy...but here you are in your jammies at Walmart with the rest of us...

Stage 4: “This Might Actually Work”

You're not just in Lubbock. You're functioning in it.

You've got a routine. You've got your people. You've stopped thinking about leaving all the time. You may mention it every so often, but you've put the timeline on the back burner and opted to enjoy your time here.

You've realized you don't have to struggle to have a good life here, and that's big.

Stage 5: “Wait… Am I Staying?”

This is the quiet stage. No need for a big announcement. Nothing dramatic. It's a slow realization over time that maybe this place ain't so bad after all.

You renew your lease without even thinking about it and start making plans for next summer. You stop rushing away from here and actually embrace it.

You might leave someday.

But for now?

It's no longer urgent, and you don't feel like you have to prove something to anyone at all. Lubbock didn't convince you to stay. It just slowly became a place you didn't feel the need to escape from.

Welcome home!

Keep scrolling for more Lubbock love in the galleries below...