Everyone says that money makes the world go 'round, but in Lubbock, I feel like that's only half true.

Cash pays the bills, sure, but if you want something done around here, you're going to need something a little more valuable than cash.

Favors...

Lubbock runs on a totally invisible economy of "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."

If you need to move this weekend, need a last-minute babysitter, or need to bury a body before it starts smelling, you're going to need a BIG favor.

It's one of the best things about living in Lubbock. The degrees of separation here are surprisingly small and seem to come in clutch when you're really in a pinch.

Most favors around here don't come with a price tag. Instead, they're paid back in free BBQ, beer, and IOUs.

The more friends you have, the better your chances are.

It's a hard pill to swallow for people like me who prefer to hide indoors. I have to get out every once in a while and do a favor for a friend. That way, next month, when something last-second happens, they'll have my back when I need them.

Lubbock feels smaller in some ways than it actually is. Beneath the busy streets and neighborhoods, there are growing population of people who show up for one another when it really matters.

Money and buy a lot of stuff, but around here, having a buddy with a truck, and the willingness to answer your phone call at 8 am on a Saturday is priceless.

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