For many people, southerners are thought of as slow witted, grammatically challenged inbreds whose sole purpose is to amuse the more intelligent beings of the world. That misconception has been validated by redneck jokes and Arkansas rumors but couldn’t be further from the truth. Truth be told being southern isn’t a burden but rather a blessing.

Where else can a person appreciate lightening bugs?
Where else can a person learn the art of rocking on a porch in a wooden chair while being serenaded by crickets at sunset?
Where else can a woman be swooned by the mere act of a man opening the door for her AND pulling out her chair?
Chivalry may be dead in the north, as may be appreciation for simpler things of life, but in the South, these are just a few of the perks of a good Southern upbringing.
‘Yes ma’am’ and ‘No sir’ aren’t adorable affectations used in a condescending manner. Respect in the South. It’s a given. But so is laughter. We love to laugh whether it is at politicians or ourselves, we can find humor in the most tragic events. And not just slight chuckling under our breath, either, but loud, feel it in your spine, cross your legs so you don’t urinate on yourself kind of laughter.
If I had to identify the main difference in the Southern and Northern way of life, I would say it all boils down to our choice of drinks. Southerners cherish sweet tea and porches. How many Northerners sit on their front or back porches with sweet tea in one hand and a fly swatter in the other? Not many if any.

There is so much we can learn from each other, North and South. Our ability to disregard time as absolute could be tempered by the fast paced rush that Northerners have embraced as normalcy. We could show our northern neighbors that our choice of big hair, outrageous clothing, and flashy accessories can be a good thing off stage and in public.
May we all find common ground that unites our differences and binds our hearts together with honeysuckle blossoms and crepe myrtle.