Ever since I moved to California, I expect people to wrinkle their noses a little bit when I mention that I’m from Texas. “Those racist rednecks,” they say.

But today, I got a little love, a little thumbs up, a little “lucky you” from a Californian.

Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise me too much. I was in a gun shop. No, Steve, I wasn’t buying a gun. I was buying mace. And when I had to give the guy my phone number, and he wondered where the area code was from, and I said, “Texas,” he said, “Ah! Very nice.” And he gave me an approving look. Then he said, “Well, welcome to a non-free state.”

I laughed. Texas has certain freedoms California doesn’t have and vice versa. 

Many Texans wrinkle their noses when they realize I live in California. “Those crazy commies,” they say.

But I like both states. I’ve found kind and funny people in both places. It doesn’t matter if you’re liberal or conservative, I probably share some opinions with you. And even if I don’t, that doesn’t mean I can’t like you just fine.