We all know those stereotypical things that southerners get the wrap for. While many of those are true, I still want to explain how these things are a part of our everyday life, and how much they mean to us. Living/being from the south is a glorious endeavor that I strongly encourage everyone to experience at least once in their life. I have not traveled many places, but I could not imagine a better place to find yourself and find people who will care for and love you for who you are.
1. Vocabulary
Don't be surprised if you hear "y'all" in almost every sentence. This is one of the most commonly used words in the south. Lots of people use pet names like, "sweetie," "baby," "sugar," etc., in everyday conversation with everyone. This isn't meant to be taken as that person hitting on you, they're just being sweet and polite. These words or the infamous phrase, "Bless Your Heart" are staple traits of someone who lives in the south.
2. Manners
Some of this goes along with the vocabulary, but if you know anything about the south, you know that yes/no ma'am, yes/no sir, please and thank you are nothing new. The understanding and respectful attitudes of everyone you meet is one of my favorite things about the south.
3. Values
You could ask almost anyone what they're doing on Sunday and the first answer will be, "Church." We were born and raised to love the Lord, and along with that comes the importance of family. If you're lucky enough to live close to your grandparents, then you know how often and how meaningful those visits are.
4. Football!!!
The fall season is full of exciting things: cooler weather, cute clothes, Halloween, pretty colors, but most importantly, football!! This is another thing that almost all southerners are born and raised to love, AND WE DO! Going all out for every Friday, Saturday or Sunday game is a must.
5. Weather
Summer is BRUTAL. It's excruciatingly humid and everyone is sweaty, but it's all worth it when fall comes around. That sticky feeling of humidity doesn't come around as often, and the temperature usually drops significantly ("usually" being the key word there). Contrary to popular belief, the winter months actually get pretty cold. Now I'm not talking New York, negative degrees kind of cold, but there's no way you're going anywhere without a coat and something hot to drink. Spring is about the same as fall, just instead of it slowly getting cooler, it slowly gets hotter.
6. Food
Last, but CERTAINLY not least, the south is blessed with "down home cookin," and "southern comfort food." Almost every restaurant you go to has the same few choices, plus many more. Needless to say, if you live in the south, you've been trained to chow down. We love food and we're not ashamed.
All in all, the "bible belt" is my favorite place on the planet. I'm overjoyed to have grown up in a place where everyone treats you like family and where love flows like a river.
