I honestly never realized how southern I was until I left home (Georgia) and came to a city such as Miami. Whether it be when I say "y'all" or when I reference country music songs, here are some of the signs I've noticed that make me a "southern girl away from home".
1. You're the only one who knows what Waffle House is
Back home it became a tradition: after a home football game, high school dance, or even 2 AM sleepover snack you would hop in the car with all your friends and whip into one of the 381 Waffle Houses in Georgia and order everything smothered. Except now in college, where there is no Waffle House for another 100 miles, you sound insane trying to explain to your not southern friends about the magic of Waffle House.
2. Country Music
You know every word to the old, the new, and the in-between of country songs from Johnny Cash to Sam Hunt. You can't imagine any other type of music to tailgate too or even just listen to on your way to class. While all of your other friends are singing some new Bieber pop song you hum along to "Good Directions" by Billy Currington.
3. You miss Chick-Fil-A as much as you miss your momma's cooking
Nothing beats getting Chick-Fil-A for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one day. Your friends may roll their eyes every time you mention it because damn it that's some good chicken! And at the end of the day, you can always count on an "it's my pleasure"
4. Your friends call you out every time you say "y'all" (which is a lot)
It's the first thing that gives it away that you're from the south, but honestly, I can't imagine saying anything else, the whole "you guys", what's that all about?
5. You see no need for the NFL as long as we've got the SEC/ ACC
Because let's be honest, in the south there are four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and football.
6. You miss your cowboy boots
It's funny how what people where here to dress up as "cowboys" is exactly what you wear to a good country music concert back home.
7. You relate to almost every tweet from @country_voices
Even if its just one line of a song that pops up on your timeline you immediately know the song and melody and before you know it you sing the whole song. Sometimes it's that one line or verse that brings back fun memories from home that make you wish you were back.
8. Luke Bryan's butt
Every southern girl knows about the hit country music star Luke Bryan's cute tush and it just adds to the reasons why we love him and his music! He knows it's cute, we know it's cute, it's just understood.
9. You look forward to the State Fair every year
You name it, it's fried: Oreos, butter, french fries, honestly it's glorious. Besides the amazing food, pig racing, carnival games, and concerts, nothing beats the rodeo. One of the most "redneck" and country events of the year and it never disappoints.
So as Kacey Musgraves says "You can take me out of the country
But you can't take the country out of me"