If you grew up in the South, or know someone who has, then you know Southerners are just built differently. Despite having moved away years ago, spending my formative years in Texas and Georgia shaped who I am. Southern culture is so deeply ingrained that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been out of it — there are bound to be some things that stick with you.
1. Manners
No one has manners like those in the South. Whether it’s as simple as “yes, ma’am” or “no sir,” these manners stick with you throughout life. Chivalry is not dead, and things like opening the door for someone, or never showing up to a gathering empty-handed can be nearly impossible to shake once you’ve grown accustomed to it. The good thing is, no one really seems to mind too much if you have exemplary manners (regardless of where you end up).
2. Southern Hospitality
Just like manners, Southerners are known for their unwavering hospitality, Southern Living notes. Generations of welcoming everyone, even strangers, with warmth and generosity sets Southerners apart as people you can lean on. From the food on their table to the clothes on their back, if you’re in need, Southerners are there to take care of you and get you back on your feet.
3. Strong Sense Of Community
Community runs strong in many cultures, but the South takes the cake when it comes to making you feel like you belong. If your spouse dies, you’re going to have more casserole dishes than your deep-freeze can hold within a matter of hours. When a neighbor breaks a limb and can’t do yard work, someone is bound to show up and do it with a smile. Of all the things to miss after leaving the South, the strong sense of community tops the list for me.
4. Family Values
Family is everything to Southerners. Traditions like Sundays dinners and family reunions are centered around how important it is to spend time with family. I remember my grandmother coming to dinner every Sunday, and afterward we’d all play cards while taking jabs at each other and laughing. While not every family dynamic is perfect, the value of being together is unmatched.
5. Respect For Elders
When in the South, it’s blasphemous not to respect your elders. Close ties to grandparents are maintained and cherished, and respect for those older and wiser is not optional. Everything from always addressing Grandma as “ma’am,” to responding right away when Grandad makes a request is expected of younger generations. Treating our elders as role models promotes strong familial bonds, and the handing down of knowledge to those still growing up.
6. Love Of Comfort Food
Everyone knows the South is notorious for its food. Whether it’s a potluck at the church, or food at a funeral — you just know it’s going to be good. From fried chicken to biscuits and gravy, to the ever-present sweet tea, no Southerner is ever going to let you go hungry. Southerners know putting on your stretchy pants and curling up with a cheesy casserole could be just the thing when you need a little comfort, and they are happy to oblige.
7. Religious Influence
It’s not called the “Bible Belt” for no reason — it’s hard to avoid religion when living in the South. Even if you’re not religious now, growing up in the South means you have religious influence deeply rooted in how you think, speak, and behave. Having strong morals can be a gift, and growing up in the South ensures you will have them.
8. The Drawl
Be real — if you think of the South, you think of that Southern drawl. Whether you think it’s sexy, or something to make fun of, everyone knows that way of speaking is synonymous with growing up in the South. And it can be nearly impossible to lose that drawl, no matter how hard you try.
9. Colloquialisms
By now, most people know that “bless your heart” doesn’t necessarily mean something nice, and that’s not the only Southern expression that is more backhanded than friendly. There are some deep-rooted colloquialisms that sound crazy to anyone not raised Southern. Next time you’ve had a great meal, be sure to let your host know you feel “full as a tick.”
10. Passion For Sports
There are definitely some Southern traditions that can be confusing to others, like only owning clothes with your team’s insignia somewhere on it. But that’s just how life in the South is; even if you don’t particularly like sports, you will find yourself loyal to a team just because your grandfather is an alumnus, or simply because you don’t like the rival. Playing sports is also very popular in the South, with football reigning supreme. Having a passion for sports is second-nature for most Southerners, and for many, it’s a way of life.
11. Being One With Nature
It wouldn’t be the South without spending lots of time outdoors. From sipping lemonade on the front porch to catching tadpoles in the creek, Southerners find great solace in being one with nature. Hunting, fishing, and playing sports are just a few popular outdoor activities in which Southerners thrive.
12. Southern Literature and Music
Be honest, I bet you remember how you felt when you read “To Kill A Mockingbird” or “The Color Purple.” You can probably hum a couple Elvis or Dolly songs if pressed. That’s because Southern literature and music has a huge influence on everyone, but especially those who grew up in it.
13. Seasonal Traditions
No Southerner has ever lacked a reason for a party, and seasonal traditions are a great one! Springtime crawfish boils, Summer trips to the lake, or Fall festivals are common, and it’s easy to see why such traditions can stick with you through your years.
14. Storytelling
Southerners live for stories. Whether you’re talking crap about Brenda’s casserole at the last potluck, or you’re retelling for the seven hundredth time about how Pawpaw broke his arm climbing the tree when he was 8, it’s all about storytelling. Even most country music will clue you in that Southerners love a good story.
15. Heat Tolerance
It may not be the first thing you think of sticking with you, but something about being raised in a place that gets fiery hot gives you a bit of an advantage during the Summer months. As Southerners, we know that a few sips of sweet tea while we watch the sun set from our porch makes the heat of the day worth it. And air-conditioning. We love air-conditioning.
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