1. Not everybody has a southern accent like Honey Boo Boo's.

Coming from the north I assumed everybody was going to be from the deep south and have a thick southern accent. I realized many people were not even from the south and were just like myself.

2. However, the word "y'all" will almost definitely creep into your vocabulary at least occasionally.

I've sworn I will never say it, but my friends at home are just waiting for it to come out. I'll admit it does seem to just roll off the tongue.

3. People have no idea what a rotary is.

Down south, many people are only accustomed to highways and the little streets in their rural towns with a single traffic light. Forget about the rotaries and roundabouts planted in cute little New England towns.

4. College football is life.

Every Saturday is game day and you can count on tens of thousands of people flocking to the stadium decked out in their alma mater's colors. Families from all over the state come and it is not uncommon to see them camped out with their own flat screen TV in the parking lot.

5. Grits and biscuits are southern staples.

Expect to these two foods at every breakfast buffet and diner, and maybe even at lunch and dinner.

6. A light dusting of snow might be equivalent to the end of the world.

Many people in the south have never even seen snow before, so don't expect them to be out driving in those flurries. Schools and towns often shut down for days at even the warning of snow.

7. People will impress you with their manners.

I was pleasantly surprised when a boy went out of his way to open the door for me at school. I was also surprised when some people actually said "yes ma'am" to EVERYTHING.

8. And finally, life just moves a little bit slower in the south.

It's true. Everybody seems to take their time and just enjoy life. Up north I'm used to the hustle and bustle of crowds in the city, and it was hard for me not to roll my eyes when people just couldn't move fast enough for me.

As crazy as it all might seem at first, the south will eventually steal a little a piece of your heart.