One of the upsides of living in Milwaukee my entire life – and only in a few different neighborhoods – is that I know so many people and often feel like I live in a small, tight-knit town.

This, however, is also one of the downsides of living in Milwaukee my entire life.

Whether I like or dislike my lack of anonymity really depends on my mood. If I'm feeling friendly and "on," it's great. I love the fact I know at least one person every time I walked into an Alterra or Brady Street nightspot.

However, if I'm not feeling very social butterfly-ish, it can be tough. I don't want to be rude to people, but sometimes, I just don't have it in me to strike up a conversation with an acquaintance, let alone someone I don't really know, but have seen around for decades.

After struggling with this for a while, I have finally settled on this: it's OK to just say hello and smile at someone I know, or kind of know. I have written myself a permission slip to not stop and chat if I don't feel up to it.

At the same time, I don't like it when people I know I've seen around Milwaukee for decades don't even smile or nod. I really try to at least make some outward acknowledgement to those uber-familiar faces. Well, most of the time, anyway.

I really love people, especially Milwaukee people. And much of the time, I enjoy chatting, sharing and listening to the folks that make this city so interesting. And yet, on certain days I think I need more hats and wigs and big sunglasses.

In short, it's both wonderful and exhausting living in the same town your whole life. Don't ya think?