Growing up in the cold, but wonderful state of Minnesota, I got used to a very particular way of life. When college came, I was pretty much over the nine months of snow and decided to move south to good old North Carolina. While I love living in the warm weather, there are some definite struggles all northerners experience when living in the south for the first time.
1. Understanding the lingo.
As if adjusting to hearing y'all every other word wasn't tough enough, I've come to learn that many phrases don't mean what you may think they mean. For example, if a southerner says to you, "bless your heart," they actually mean: "You poor soul, you're so stupid and you don't even realize it."
2. Dealing with quick weather changes.
Any northerner can tell you to expect cold temperatures from about October through May. Don't worry, we get 3-4 months of warmth! The one thing I failed to prepare for was how quickly the weather can change down south. The second you break out your flip flops for the 80 degree week ahead, Mother Nature says, "Nah," and gives you two more days of freezing cold.
3. Speaking of weather, the HUMIDITY!
Forget styling your hair, it's a lost cause. 90 degree weather with 100 percent chance of humidity? Ponytail, it is.
4. Understanding the accent.
Don't get me wrong, the southern accent can be adorable and charming. But, coming from the north, my ear was not attuned to the accent at all. My college learning curve was almost entirely getting used to the accent of my southern professors.
5. Coming back with your own 'accent.'
It's inevitable: you will pick up certain southern phrases. The first time I slipped was over my winter break of my freshman year. "Hey, y'all!" came out of my very Northern mouth, much to the disbelief of my family and myself. Prepare for merciless teasing when you let out a Southern phrase for the first time.
6. Missing your regional food chains
Nothing broke my heart more than learning that there were people in this country who have never eaten at Perkins. The nearest Caribou Coffee to me is a 45 minute drive. Where is the justice?! The only saving grace is the abundance of Cook Outs spread out down south.
7. Where are all of the street lights?!
Forget driving after dark here unless you know exactly how the road twists and turns. Sure, we have headlights, but that's nothing compared to the well-lit streets from home. Has the south ever heard of a street lamp? Maybe not.
8. Actually kind of missing the snow
Sure, I complain about it when I'm home, but it just feels wrong to celebrate Christmas in 50 degree weather with green grass on the ground. Spend long enough down south, and you may notice yourself actually kind of missing the winter wonderland the north becomes.
There are pros and cons to living in both the north and the south, but it's no lie that there is definitely a learning curve when moving from one to the other.
