The south isn’t just a region, it's a lifestyle. You can look on the streets and see so many "simply southern" t-shirts on. You can go on Pinterest and find “southern DIY crafts.” People have taken being southern seriously. I have lived in the south for 19 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are a few things that I have learned along my journey from being southern.

1. Men Need To Be Gentlemen And Girls Need To Be Ladies

Gentlemen open doors and buy flowers. Ladies are classy and polite.

2. Being Nice Will Take You Far

You never know who you are talking to. If you’re nice to someone then they could skyrocket your career or you could just make their day. Being kind to everyone is just a golden rule.

3. If You Don’t Like Football You Are Not Southern

Saturday is a precious day in the South. But, win or lose, we are still neighbors and we get over it the next day (or month).

4. Appreciate The Things You Have And The People Around You

Being thankful should not only be for the holiday season, it should be all year! Look around you, if you don’t have much at least you have family or friends who love you.

5. The Weather Is Bi-polar

One day it's 80 degrees, the next it's 35 degrees. Don’t ask me how this happens, it just does and we are all annoyed about it.

6. Hospitality Is Key

When someone comes to stay with you don't forget to clean your house and make them feel at home. It's just a southern kind of thing! Do you want sweet tea? Don’t worry, I've got it! Do you want lemonade? I have that too!

7. Family Before Anything Else

Your family will forever and always be your family. It is one of the few things in this world that is forever.

8. To Be Proud Of Where I Came From

I am southern and I am proud. I will always love saying that I am from Nashville and I take pride in it being in a southern state.

9. Treat Others Like You Want To Be Treated

If you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say it at all. If you don’t want someone to be rude to you then why would you be rude to someone else? Be the bigger person and turn your cheek rather than striking them with your fist.

10. Religion Is Important

Religion can be a touchy subject, but being in the south also means you are a part of the “Bible Belt.” There are all types of religions in the South and we respect each other for whatever beliefs we believe in. Going to church is a normal thing in the south and it also creates community.

I love living in the south and I wouldn't trade growing up here for anything.