If you're from the South, I'm sure there's a few things you do or say without even realizing it. As one of those people, I've noticed that these things tend to be a part of my everyday life. Let’s see if you Southerners agree with this list. Happy reading, ya’ll.
1. Sweet Tea.
C’mon, you had to know that would be first on the list. “Unsweet” doesn’t exist in our vocabulary, and anyone who would dare order an unsweet tea deserves a glare and your back turned on them.
2. Hot.
We don’t have seasons, we have hot. And by the off chance that it’s a “winter” day outside, you’re probably still in some sort of outfit that has all of your relatives up north raging in jealousy.
3. "Shirt and Shoes Required."
These signs are everywhere. And while it’s a commonly known thing that you at least have to wear a shirt over your bikini to Target or the mall, it’s a relief that you at least don’t have to wear pants. The best part about these signs is when your older relatives come to visit and have no idea why you need to be reminded to wear basic outer clothing.
4. Windows DOWN.
If it’s sunny and 75, you know it’s a good day to blast your favorite song with your windows down and not have a care in the world.
5. Don't. Touch. The. Seat Belt.
I’m sure from experience you know not to go anywhere near your seat belt until the AC has been on for at least five minutes and the seats of your car no longer feel like they’re on fire. If you haven’t experienced the permanent branding of your seat belt touching your fingertips, you’re one lucky duck.
6. Sand Everywhere.
Even if you don’t personally live by the beach, if you’re from the south you know a day trip to the nearest ocean is a necessity. You also know that by the time you get home, you’ll have sand in places you didn’t know you had.
7. Raccoon Eyes.
OK, this one you don’t really have to be from the south to experience, because I’m sure many unlucky tourists have gone home with the “coon eyes.” But, after living by the beach for a very long time, I’ve mastered the technique of making intervals with my sunglasses on and off. You know if they stay on too long, you’ll look like a tomato with ghost eyes.
8. Bad Drivers.
While we probably seem like speed racers to all of the out-of-towners, we know the hassle of getting stuck behind someone from Canada, or even worse, any Midwest state that has miles of open roads and speed limits below 40 (Yikes). There have been a few times I’ve had to honk at grandma to remind her that some of us have places to be.
9. Dressing up = Wearing my nice flip flops.
You see, in the south, we have flip flops and we have “nice” flip flops. Put on your cutest sundress and the sandals with a little bit of a heel and you’re good to go.
10. Local Discounts.
The best part about living in a touristy area, is the discounts for the locals. Let me tell you about that $20 annual beach pass, it’s great.
11. Living where everyone else vacations.
While we complain about tourists, they’re the ones who drive our economy. We get to live in a vacation spot year-round, while they travel thousands of miles just to get there. It’s. Awesome.
12. Having an annual pass to Disney but never going.
“Eh, I went twice this year that’s good enough”. I mean you’ve been going every year since you were 10, it’s probably a little boring now that you’re 22, right?
13. Never wanting to move.
Similar to No. 12, we live where others want to live. As a Florida native, I can wholeheartedly say you’ll never catch me moving somewhere that doesn’t have a beach. I guess I’ll have to put up with these tourists for a few more decades. It’s worth it.
