I was born and raised in North Carolina, and until I started visiting other places around the country, I never realized I lived differently than most other people. Simple things like asking for sweet tea or saying "y'all" just wasn't a thing anymore and I felt like I was in a whole other world. Here's what happens when someone set in their southern ways tries to leave the south.
1. You aren't prepared for real winters.
Christmas in the South can sometimes be 70 degrees, and you're in no way prepared for other state's normal freezing temperatures, snow and ice.
2. "I'm sorry we don't have sweet tea."
When you ask for tea in the South it's usually understood that you want it sweet, or it's at least an option. But other parts of the country will just say "sorry" when you ask for it, and hand you the sugar.
3. People judge your sense of style.
Big t-shirts, Chacos, monograms and southern brands aren't worn or even understood by most of the country.
4. Suddenly you're the one with the funny accent.
Saying "y'all" every other word and phrases like "bless your heart" comes almost second nature to Southerners. So going to a place where people don't consider that to be English is a big culture shock and you struggle with how to talk so people understand you.
5. Forget about your normal fast food.
I never knew these amazing restaurants didn't exist above my state until I met people from New Jersey who had no idea what a Cookout tray was. As a firm believer in midnight runs to cookout, I didn't understand how people could survive without them.
6. A chance of snow doesn't cancel school.
Heavy rain, tornado warnings, or even a small chance of snow freaks out people in the south and they just shut down.
7. Things costs more.
Food, drinks, clothes, no matter what it is I always end up paying extra than I normally would.
8. Southern hospitality isn't always received well.
Apparently not everyone else says "please" and "thank you" to complete strangers. Weird.
9. Country music doesn't exist.
No matter where I am in NC, I can usually find around three country music stations. But get past Virginia and you can't find a Luke Bryan song to save your life. (God bless Luke Bryan.)
I want to travel the world and visit as many different places as I can. But I will always love and return to the South.
