Living in the South 101

1. Yes, I have manners. No, they are not disrespectful. If you have manners then you were obviously raised right. Having manners is top priority down here; it's a respect thing. Whether you are younger than me or older than me, I will say yes ma'am, no ma'am, please and thank you. It is just a necessary thing.

2. Tea is served sweet. Point blank. No description needed.

3. Backroads are always better. Living in south Alabama, I have to deal with traffic going to the beach. Roads leading South in the summer are a nightmare, so backroads are our best kept secret.

4. I have a monogram on almost everything. Monogramming is just something we love. It's a cute little thing that we put on everything from clothes to door hangers. It's everywhere!

5. The fellowship is always a blessing. When there is a get-together, whether it's family or friends getting together after a long time, it's always sweet.

6. Living near the beach is a good and bad thing. Yes, the beach is nice but no, I do not consider it a vacation. Living down here, I have developed a love/hate relationship with it. There are way too many people there for me to feel comfortable.

7. Most Sundays in the South are spent at church, and then you usually have Sunday dinner, which is an early supper/late lunch. Afterwards is spent with family and friends. It's a day to rest for most people.

8. We love big hats! Especially big hats with monograms on them...

9. Football is a season. Winter, spring, summer and then football season. You DON'T mess with our football. We literally count down the days until college football starts. It's a HUGE deal.

10. "Y'all" is a word; a major word. It is used in most sentences. It is a word and don't let anybody tell you differently.

11. "Bless your heart" can be a good thing or a bad thing. If something is a big deal then it deserves a little "bless your heart." If something has gone wrong it deserves a "bless your heart." If you're acting like a fool in public, then you will definitely receive a "Bless your little heart."

12. We love our parades and festivals. Homecoming, football, Mardi Gras, Christmas - you name it. We can make a parade for that. Our festivals are also awesome. The County Fair and Heritage Day Festival are a must. We are proud and show it.

13. The important thing about the south is our love for each other. Family or not, we are there for each other. At the end of the day someone always has your back.