I think a lot of people that grew up in the South take it for granted, but it really is a blessing. I never knew how great the South really was until I traveled outside of the Mason-Dickson line.
1. We are so nice...
Around here when you pass by someone they tend to either smile, nod, or say hi. Drive past somebody on the road, they'll usually wave. Most places you go, they would think you're weird for doing that. I'm not saying there aren't any nice people outside of the South, we're just nicer here.
2. We live a lot slower...
Now for some people, this might not be a plus but it's my favorite. The South is known for living slow and taking it easy. We like to kick our feet up and relax, stop and smell the roses, listen to crickets chirp and the lightening bugs flash, lay on a blanket and watch the stars. In the city lights, you can't see them.
3. We have SEC football...
Enough said, am I right?
4. We live in the Bible belt...
Yeah a lot people grow up in church, and some will say Christianity was shoved down their throat, but it's better than living somewhere where you can't talk about it or learn it. I love living in the Bible belt and being able to pray when I go out for dinner, or pray before the football games, or for someone hurt on the court. Can you imagine living somewhere where that isn't a thing?
5. We have the best food...
Y'all chicken and dumplin's, fried chicken, peach cobbler, fried green tomatoes, collard greens, moon-pies, and deep fried oreos. No vegan kale salad will ever beat that, ever. Can I get an amen?
6. We have the mountains in the fall...
If nothing else on this makes you stay than this will. Take a trip up to the Great Smoky Mountains during one of our beautiful fall days and see all the leaves changing colors. You're hooked and staying for life.
7. We have old values...
Southern belles and gentlemen are what we are most famous for, and that didn't die with Scarlett and Rhett. People in the South still say "yes ma'am" and "no sir", we still respect our elders, and we still kiss our mommas. You're gonna miss that when you leave here, trust me.
8. We keep family ties...
Families in the South are thicker than thieves. Even when someone screws up or wrongs somebody, they're still family. We still have family reunions and Sunday family supper. Don't y'all love that?
9. We have front porch swings...
No problem or broken heart can't be fixed by one of these, then add momma. Nothing better than that. Watching the sunset with your person. Somewhere to waste time after your date brings you home. Or just somewhere to remind yourself that life really isn't that bad. Nothing better feeling that breeze and hearing that familiar creak, nothing.
10. We have sweet tea...
Whether it's from Lipton or McDonalds, it's the best. It runs in our veins almost as much as blood. Go North and they don't even have it, ain't that a shame?
11. We have casseroles...
Nowhere could you go and get sick and have about five people bring you supper on different nights. Think about that y'all. People get sick, or die, or a new one joins the family, what's the first thing people in the South say? "Can I do anything for y'all? Can I bring y'all dinner one night?" Do y'all realize how special that is? Do you realize how obsolete that is becoming? No one in New York City would ever bring you a homemade casserole dish if you came down with the flu.
I hope you read this and remember just how great the South is and start appreciating it a lot more than you do now. You don't need to go anywhere to find paradise, because you've been living in it your whole life.
