After 18 years of living in Illinois, I decided it was finally time to move down to the Sunshine State for school. It wasn't until moving that I realized that I am a "Midwesterner" and have my deeply rooted Midwesterner ways. Here in Florida, I am quickly picking up on the Southern lifestyle. And I absolutely love it.
Growing up in Chicago consisted of deep dish pizza, below freezing winters, and crazy city driving. I wouldn't have changed it for the world. However, moving down South has been refreshing. The weather is warmer, the people are nicer, and the food really is bigger and better. There is a lot that I am still getting used to, but the South is much different for folks than the North is.
Use Your Manners
People in the South are much friendlier and more polite than people up north. Boys hold the door open for you (Illinois boys - take notes) and your cashier at the grocery store will actually have a conversation with you. Don't forget to add ma'am or sir when talking to someone older. But if I say ma'am at home, I will be insulting someone by calling them old.
Y'all Is A Real Word
No more 'you guys' or 'everybody'. More than one person is referred to as y'all. It is much easier to just use and fun to say! After about 3 weeks of living here, I was saying y'all regularly.
Sweet Tea Is Liquid Gold
I thought sweet tea was the same as sweetened tea … and boy was I wrong. Sweet tea is a lifestyle here in the South. You can drink it at any time of day. Everyone drinks sweet tea, EVERYONE!
A New Definition Of Cold
Growing up, winters were full of snow, painful winds, winter coats, and negative temperatures. I would dress head to toe in layers of clothes just to go to the grocery store. But in Florida, you will see UGGs and gloves as soon as the temperatures are in the 50's. Like, are we sure it's that cold?
Football. College Football.
You'll hear more about college football than the NFL. #GoNoles
"Midwesterners Have Accents"
What? We have accents? Please don't make me repeat that sentence while you make fun of my pronunciation. Yes, we say some words differently and we have our own slang, but so does the South! I think the worst part is, I never realized I have an accent until I moved here.
Take Your Time
There is no need to be in a rush here. Enjoy your time! You will drive slower, walk slower, and maybe even talk slower, because apparently, we like to talk fast.
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