For the folks that have been born and raised in the South, this survival guide may seem pretty irrelevant. For those who have questions on why we call every carbonated drink a "Coke" and why we can't live without SEC college football, this is just for you. I am going to teach you how to thrive in the best area of the nation and hopefully, you'll gain a little bit of southern twang as I go along so you can survive with the best of 'em.
The first step to understanding the south is the become a part of it. I am going to give you the 7 biggest and juiciest insider tips on how to be the southern hot shot no matter where you go.
1. Y'all
You will not hear "you guys" or "everyone" but you will hear "y'all". It is one of those words that people can't help but laugh and mock whoever is saying it, but before long they catch themselves using the southern slang.
2. Food
I get to be biased on this subject and say that the south has the best food out of any area in the US. Everything is fried and double the portions. We have staple foods that no other can even compete with, things such as barbecue, fried chicken, turnip greens, and the ever so beloved biscuits and gravy. Learn to love them all.
3. Sweet Tea
A true southerners blood has sweet tea running through their veins. If you get unsweet tea, you are automatically shunned and sent to the Yankees. Simple as that.
4. Weather
Mother Nature is mixed about her relationship with the south. Somedays it's sunny and 85, then the next it's 50 and raining. Be prepared with a tank top, rain jacket, and umbrella, and a winter coat all in one bag just in case.
5. Manners
Say yes ma'am and no sir. Hold the door open for people. Say thank you. We are polite down in Dixie and we have "southern hospitality" engraved into us before we can even talk.
6. Traditions
Being raised in the south means having tradition after tradition follow you forever. Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and every meaningful event you have in your life follows up with a 3-hour family talk/game night with a side of dorky pictures. You can't escape them, so embrace them. You'll be thankful you did.
7. Football
SEC football is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle. It isn't a normal Saturday in the south unless you hear the many football fans screaming about how their team is winning or losing. Tailgating is ab must, and you have to go to an SEC game to truly understand our love for the sport.
These are my 7 things that are most important to understanding the southern culture. I could've written a book, but if you REALLY want to see how we live down in the dirty south, I'd come experience it for yourself. See y'all soon!
