From the Mid-Western state of Indiana, it is often frowned upon to consider yourself “southern” because, well, we’re not in the south. We’re in the Mid-West. Although I am from “southern Indiana”, I think I honestly should have been raised even farther south. Here’s 10 reasons why I should have been raised in the south.

1. I love sweet tea.

When I had the opportunity to travel across Indiana, I discovered that northern Indiana does not define "sweet tea" the same as I do. Even some of the McDonald's were confused on the concept. The sweeter the better!

2. My so-called “accent”.

I swear I don’t have one but my friends seem to think differently. When one side of my family is from Kentucky, I guess I get it honest. If I ever get mad, my accent is even more apparent.

3. BIG HAIR.

I love big hair! My tease comb and I are BFF’s and Aussie Hairspray is my go-to gal. With those two and a few bobby pins- I am able to get my hair pretty big. The higher the hair, the closer to heaven!

4. Family means the world to me.

Maybe it is the generation we’re living in or just how things go, but it seems that very few families are close anymore. I have been blessed with a family that supports me in anything and everything that I do. You name the event and they are there. We spend every holiday together and sometimes we stop to see each other just because.

5. Monogram everything.

I love monograms! Such a cute way to add a touch of your personality to things! I have a monogram on my car window, I have a monogrammed vest, a monogrammed hat, I even have monogrammed towels.

6. Phrases that I say.

Bless your heart. Yes ma’am. No sir. (Maybe I was just raised with manors). I refer to many people as “Miss”. Y’all this, y’all that. Y’all need Jesus. Y’all ready for this. Y’all get my point.

7. Pearls.

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Diamonds are great and all, in fact I love all sorts of jewelry. Actually I have a slight addiction to all jewelry. But nothing beats pearls. A pair of stud pearl earrings is the perfect way to add a touch of classy to any outfit.

8. 90’s country music

I don’t even know how this qualifies for this list but when I think of 90’s country music, the good stuff, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, even further back to Alabama and the Dixie Chicks. This is the music that I love and automatically relate to the south.

9. I love sunshine.

Here in Indiana, our weather is quite bipolar. I would love some constant sunshine for at least 3 hours, which sounds more reoccurring in some of the southern states verses the undecided Indiana.

10. Hugs for everyone.

I could have just met you and odds are that I hugged you. Maybe I haven’t seen you in a while. Like a few days. I probably am going to hug you when I see you. A hug is just how I greet people!

I am so grateful I was raised in the beautiful state of Indiana but sometimes I feel like I should have been raised in the south! Either way, as Hoosier girls we are pretty great at being women of many talents so just maybe one of those talents is embracing our inner touch of southern.