Moving up to the northeast made me realize how lucky I am to have been born in the south. I left the south for multiple reasons, and I feel like because I left all I ever talked about were those reasons, the negatives. There are plenty of positives about the south and these are the ones I like the most.
Tradition is so important. I cherish tradition so much that sometimes I despise change. We live in a world built on traditions, things that we all follow our whole lives. Drag racing, bonfires, fishing, hunting, sweet tea, all of the southern customs that are passed down from our parents. We all get a little pair of boots when we're kids, we don't all keep a pair of boots as we get older but that first pair is a statement.
The accents. When someone has a southern accent, everything they say no matter if its kind or unkind it just feels like home. Your grandma spoke with a thick accent and she used those old southern phrases and now every thick accent reminds you of her. Southerners use that accent and make everything they say sound sweeter than the tea they drink. It's honestly a powerful thing.
Southern Hospitality is so real. People in the north aren't rude, they are just in a hurry to do things and don't have time to tell everyone they pass "good morning." Things are a bit more lax down here and you don't pass as many people and you aren't moving as quickly so you might as well hold the door open and tell them to have a good day. You see more smiles.
Its such a culture. A very small portion of the world gets to be southern. very few get to be immersed in the sweet tea and Jesus, bonfire, boot scootin, life that we get to lead. I didn't always appreciate it but I do now, and even if it seems annoying its part of all of us southerners.
The Food. This needs little to no explanation. It's greasy, saucy, hearty, and perfect. The portions are huge, the flavor is plentiful and it's impossible to feel unhappy when going in on a plate of barbecue.
Its home. It's where I'm from, its where my heart is. I can travel thousands of miles from here but that will never change where I was grown. I love that I am southern. I don't love everything about the south, but I have hope in my home.
