Growing up with Southern parents and relatives has definitely shaped how I am as an adult. Practically every waking aspect of my personal identity is directly influenced by my Southern roots. Whether your folks are from Appalachia in North Carolina, the Bayou in Louisiana, or the Everglades in Florida; it is likely that their mannerisms have had an impact on your life.

1. Manners Matter: Yes Sir/No Sir is a Must

If you're with relatives, referring to anyone older or superior than you as sir/ma'am is necessary. Forgetting to do so is a serious offence; take it from me, they will judge you if you forget. Southerners take manners very seriously, and your Southern relatives won't hesitate to chide you if you do something wrong in a social situation.

2. Southern Hospitality Runs in Your Blood

Like it or not, whenever you have a guest over, you immediately want to cater them. Even if it's a friend stopping by your dorm, your instincts tell you to make sure they're comfortable. Southern hospitality is the reason why southerners throw excellent parties; it's because they're raised to make sure everyone inside their home is welcome. That's why whenever you visit relatives down south, they practically treat you like royalty.

3. You Tend to be Snarky

Sure, your relatives seem nice on the surface, but you know that their kindness should never be taken for granted. You never know when an innocent complement is actually a backhanded insult; for instance, when they say "bless your heart," your know that it most certainly is not a condolence. As a result, you'e practically an expert at detecting passive-aggressiveness. Sometimes, you tend to be passive-aggressive yourself.

4. Visiting Relatives in the Summer is a Death Sentence

In retrospect, visiting family down South sounds fun. However, the minute you step out of the airport in mid-July, you immediately want to head back inside. Southerners aren't playing around when they complain about the heat. Nonetheless, you're practically a pro at finding ways to cool yourself when the high temperature is 108 every day.

5. Church is Never Optional

Like it or not, if you grew up with a Southern family, you never get out of going to church every Sunday unless you contracted the plague. Even then, your family will still be hesitant about letting you stay home. Going to mass every Sunday is very important to your Southern family, especially because it is an opportunity to socialize with the community.

6. Half of Your Diet Consists of Sweet Tea

Nothing says summer like a glass of sweet tea. If you grew up around Southerners, you know summer has officially arrived when they start to brew tea again. If it were up to you, you would drink it 365 days a year.

7. A Portion of Your Family Works Agriculture

If you have southern relatives, it is likely that some of them work on farms or tend livestock. Visiting them usually includes a tour of their fields, and the occasional agricultural lesson (if you're like me, you know everything there is to know about corn). Having farmers in your family really makes you appreciate where your food comes from.

8. Food is the Epicenter of Your Life

Southerners take pride in their food. Getting together with your relatives means that there will be a feast. Since you've had hundreds of home cooked meals throughout your life, Southern dishes are probably your comfort food. Barbecue, fried chicken, and authentic Mexican food are a few of my favorites.

9. Family Means Everything

Having Southern relatives means that, despite its massive size, your family is very close knit. Nothing prioritizes over the family.

From their amusing accents, strange mannerisms, great food, and to the values they hold in importance; your relatives and your southern roots definitely make you a unique individual.