Writings: Front Porches

I observe the houses in my hometown neighborhood more closely now that I jog past them on my regular runs. This is the neighborhood I grew up in as a child, but it's only recently that I noticed the ubiquity of benches in the front porches of houses here. Most of these benches do not appear functional, as I have not actually observed anyone sitting in any of these benches. Some of the benches aren't even full-sized, rather they are miniature decorative versions. The disuse of benches could be because the front porches in my neighborhood aren't full-blown front porches - a more appropriate description would be slightly covered entry ways. Yet, my neighbors feel compelled to place a bench in this space like they would feel obligated to put a table in a dining room or a sofa in a living room, even if the benches are little mini ones only the family cat could fit in. Regardless, a front porch must have a bench these houses seem to be saying. Except for my family's house. We seemed to have missed this social memo for the past 20+ years of living in this neighborhood. But that is not unusual for my family; we are of a different ethnic and cultural background and certain customs/traditions of the typical Southern-American household are lost to us.

Perhaps I am too sensitive. Maybe it is by a freak chance that all my neighbors and, come to think of it, all my friend's houses with front porches have benches. Have I just noticed the subtle social custom of the front porch if it exists at all?