Snowbirds/Locals Survival Kit
Can't-Lose Tips for Living in Harmony
It's season! Yay! Grumble, grumble. Yay! Grumble. Whether you're a part-time resident or live here year-round, you probably have opinions about life "on the other side."
Full-time residents love the extra revenue that snowbirds inject into their local community, for example, but aren't fond of the additional traffic and crowds during this time of year. Part-time residents love the weather here in South Florida, but are perplexed by the fast-paced, all-business attitude of locals.
To help maintain the peace, whether you're a year-round or part-time resident, remind yourself often of the following:
Locals: South Florida climate and sunshine belong to everyone, whether full-time, part-time or short-time visiting tourist. No one owns the weather here, and there's plenty to go around. Share it!
Snowbirds: Year-round residents work here, and many don't have the luxury to often enjoy the climate, beaches and other attractions. Locals are limited in time and focused on obligations. Try to be understanding that full-time residents are not on vacation, and so approach day to day with a different mindset than you do.
Locals: Yes, you may have to wait to get a table at your favorite diner this time of year. But the extra income during season is what allows that restaurant to stay in business long term. You may think you want empty spots at the counter all year, but you don't. Be thankful for the subsidy that helps enable the quality of life you enjoy.
Snowbirds: There's likely a marked difference in the culture, norms and habits of people in South Florida vs. the region you're from. Try to recognize those differences and adapt. It's not unlike trying out your French while on vacation in Paris. Compromise is your friend.
Locals: That goes for you too. Be as understanding and welcoming as possible. Many situations are not as they seem on the surface, but are simply a matter of cultural differences. Ever visited a friend's home and noted the contrasts in that family's behavior, differences in cooking or home making, etc.? Same thing.
Snowbirds: Keep in mind that despite the tiniest footprint that you yourself might strive to make during season, because you're part of a very large temporary population influx, the combined impact is substantial, and requires year-round residents to adapt to the change.
Bottom line? Be nice no matter where you live and for how long, and be patient. We're all on the same team.
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