The South has a charming, unique culture that prizes a slower pace of life and politeness. Life in the South can take some adjusting for northerners, but after a while, they’ll understand these 18 unique parts of southern life.
The Endless Summer
In the South, warm weather starts earlier in the spring and lasts well into what is considered fall up north. Northerners living in the South soon realize that they need their winter clothes for a much shorter period than they’re used to.
Sweet Tea as a Staple
Sweet tea is ubiquitous in the South and is served throughout the day, at and between meals. Garden & Gun argues that “sweet tea isn’t a drink, really. It’s culture in a glass.” It can be a culture shock to northerners who are unused to such a sweet drink being served so regularly.
The Importance of College Football
The passion behind college football rivalries in the South often surpasses the enthusiasm for professional sports in the North. Northerners living in the South will quickly come to understand the importance of college football and the rituals behind tailgating events.
Barbecue Varieties and Loyalties
The hotter climate of the South means more opportunities for barbecues, and each state has its own take on the cuisine. Northerners living in the South understand that it’s an important subculture, with the Carolinas, Kansas City, Memphis, and Texas all claiming to have the best barbecue.
The Pace of Life
Northerners used to the hustle and fast-paced lifestyle of cities like Philadelphia and New York instantly notice the slow pace of life in the South. For most, the initial frustration subsides, and they grow to appreciate the laid-back approach to deadlines and schedules.
The Role of Religion in Everyday Life
The church still plays an important role in daily life in the South, more so than in the relatively secular North. Northerners living in the South get used to God being a part of everyday conversations and frequent church invitations.
Weather Extremes
Adapting to the South’s intense humidity and summer heat can be challenging for northerners. Severe weather events like hurricanes are also more common in the South and often shock northerners living in the region.
The Complex History
The South has a rich and complex history and has sometimes struggled to grapple with its role in the Civil War. In an opinion piece for the New York Times, Margaret Renkl argues that for decades, public education in the South avoided the truth about the Civil War, but today, most southerners “know better now, despite the troubled history books [they] learned from.”
Differences in Cuisine
Northerners living in the South quickly get accustomed to the different cuisines. Staple foods like grits are an important part of the culture, and local ingredients like collard greens, okra, and sweet potatoes are prominent features in meals.
The Concept of “Y’all”
Outside of Pittsburgh natives, most northerners don’t have their own spin on “y’all.” The term is constantly used in the South and reflects the friendliness of the region, and it can take some getting used to.
“Bless Your Heart”
“Bless your heart” is a common phrase in the South that can take getting used to. Southern Living explains that “‘bless your heart’ situations arise daily” and can “make you laugh or sting a little.” The passive-aggressiveness often hidden in the phrase can be lost on northerners unused to indirect communication.
Outdoor Festivities
The South has no shortage of outdoor festivals and community events. Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival in Fort Worth, Charleston Wine + Food, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest, attract thousands of tourists every year.
The Landscape Diversity
The South has a diverse mix of landscapes, with mountains in the Appalachians, wetlands in the Everglades, and the Gulf Coastal Plains across much of the region. Northerners who are used to the Great Plains come to appreciate the natural beauty of the region’s varied ecosystems.
Driving Etiquette
Life is slower in the South, and so is the driving. Drivers are generally more polite than the fast-paced, aggressive driving style of many northern cities. The sound of horns beeping is much less common in the South.
Southern Hospitality
Southern hospitality is an important part of the culture. Intrepid Travel argues that “unexpected kindness is a part of everyday life in the South” and that people open doors for each other. The friendliness can initially be overwhelming to northerners who are used to a more reserved culture.
Insect Encounters
The wide variety of insects is a part of life in the South, and giant insects like palmetto bugs can be shocking to visitors. The mosquito season can also last much longer than in the North, making box fans and mosquito traps necessary.
The Role of Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is a non-negotiable necessity in the South and can lead to shockingly high energy bills in the summer months. Northerners living in the South quickly realize that it’s essential to stay cool.
Regional Accents
Thick southern drawls can initially be difficult to understand for northerners, but they quickly get used to their charm. Accents can greatly vary between cities and states, like in the North, but they have a unique musicality to them.
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