You know the saying, “You can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the girl”? I’m finding it to be so very true. It’s interesting how, when you’re in a certain culture, things seem so normal that in other cultures aren’t. So here is my list of things that make me still a Southern girl. Or maybe make me part of a huge, loving and crazy family. Either way, there’s no escaping it:
1. I put make-up on to go to the grocery store. I can’t help it. It’s in my blood.
2. I want my hair blonde. Not the natural kind that is so popular out here, I want the kind that is perfectly obvious it’s not my natural color.
3. I love having parties, and keep trying to come up with reasons to have people over to my house.
4. When I hear country music, I get all soft and mushy. Even though I don’t listen to country music.
5. When I hear the National Anthem, I get all soft and mushy too.
6. Few things are more important than making people feel completely comfortable in my home. Those few things will never include making people take their shoes off, or keeping kids out of any room because they might mess up the furniture. I’m not saying this is a good thing, or that you shouldn’t take care of your possessions. This is just my own thing, coming I think more from my family than my geography.
7. I’m still sold on the idea that most things can be solved over a cup of tea, hot or cold. But if it’s iced tea, it must be sweet. And if it’s sweet, it must have been made sweet from the beginning.
8. My one-year-old is running around like a madman, but still not wearing shoes. And my response? Oh well.
9. Yes sir, no sir, thank you, please, you’re welcome. All incredibly important words in my vocabulary, and therefore, in the vocabulary of my kids.
10. Church occurs three times a week: Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. And Sunday school is not optional.
These are just a few, I’m sure there are many more. I’m also certain that a lot of these things are held dear in other places besides the south, but since I’m southern born and bred, it’s all I really know.
Am I missing any, my Southern girls that are also transplants?
It is not only acceptable but full of respect to call an adult miss (first name) or mister (first name). Use of last names just doesn’t occur but has nothing to do with respect and honor for the adult! Go figure!
Thanks for sharing. I’m a southern girl. Transplant in the Midwest.