After living in the South for a little over two months now, I can definitely admit that life in the south is much different than up north.

Living in the South is full of "yes ma'ams," sweet tea, and fried everything. Coming from the Midwest, I expected Southern living to be different than my 'normal' but not as different as I have experienced. In particular, there have been a few things I have already picked up on from my short time here.

1. Saying y'all is a lot easier than saying you guys.

Before moving to the South, I rarely said y'all and whenever I did, people would look at me weird. Now, I can't imagine saying anything other than y'all when talking to a group of people. It honestly is a lot easier to say and text. And it's really easy to catch on to!

2. Use manners.

People in the South are always very friendly and very well mannered. You're invited into any Grove tent and welcomed with open arms! Anytime I go into a building or store, a boy usually holds the door open for me without second thought. And whenever addressing anyone older than yourself, it's always followed with a ma'am or sir.

3. Cold weather, really isn't that cold.

In the Midwest, a cold winter consists of freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and heavy coats. Winter in the south is a bit different. Snow rarely falls and most closets do not contain a winter wardrobe. Cold to Southerners usually means temperatures in the 40s or even the 50s. These people have probably never experienced temperatures in single digits so do not be judgmental when you see someone in a heavy puffer jacket and a hat when it is in the 50s. Southerners are not made for the cold!

4. Southerners have an accent but so do Northerners.

To my surprise, I apparently have an accent. Never in my life have I been told I have an accent until I came to the South. When I moved to the South, I wanted to pick up on a southern accent, but apparently, I already have an accent- an accent from living in St. Louis.

5. The Midwest doesn't really exist.

When I tell people I'm from St. Louis, they think that means I'm from the South or the North. I have been told and even argued with that Missouri is in the South. WHAT! Missouri is located in the midwest along with other states. We are not Southern at all but that is a topic within itself for another article. People look at me funny when I say I'm from the Midwest so I have just come to terms with saying that I am from the North.

I have picked up on a few other southern habits like the fact that almost every boy owns Vineyard Vines. Also, normal weather includes humidity and fogged up sunglasses. And when I say everyone drinks sweet tea, I mean EVERYONE drinks sweet tea.

And don't even try going to the Square on a Sunday because everything is closed and it is likely that everyone is at Church. No doubt that Southern living is awesome, but it does require adjusting from my Midwest home. However, I wouldn't want to call anywhere else my home away from home.