I grew up in Charelston, South Carolina, and parents there don't play. Growing up, I thought people were crazy, but now that I have moved away, I am very thankful for the lessons I learned living in the South.

You Respect Your Elders

It's always yes ma'am, yes sir. That was the simplest way of showing respect. If you did not say that, it was your parents yelling, "YES WHAT?!?" Now that I have moved away, people find it weird that I say it. I get weird looks or people telling me not to call them that because it makes them feel old. I'm also astonished when I see younger people talk back to adults. That doesn't fly in the South. You shut your mouth and do what you're told.

Family Comes First

Family was the most important thing in everyone's life in the South. There were always family gatherings, dinners and hang outs. In other places, you don't see families together that much. My friends are always out, away from their family. Back home, your friends became family and your family is all you need.

Southern Food is Truly The Best

Whether it's gumbo, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, sautéed greens or BBQ meat that falls off the bone—the South has it on lock. Your family serves it at every dinner, and you grow up with it. Moving away, nothing compares to real Southern cooking.

Spankings Are Real

My step-mom did not play. If she had to ask twice, you were getting a spanking. People in Florida find that as child abuse, but if you say that to a Southern parent, they will end your life. Some children in Florida are very disrespectful (especially Boca Raton) and need a good whipping. Move them to the South and their attitude will change real fast.

There is No Pop

This was one of my hardest lessons when I moved to South Carolina. It's soda, not pop. If you ask for a pop, people will be really confused.

Reprimanding other people’s kids is acceptable.

I’m sure it happens as a kid up north, but in the South, there are definitely fewer barriers around “Can I scold a child that is not my own?” or “Don’t you talk to your mama that way!” from a random in Winn Dixie. And this is seen as normal.

Lastly, You Show Respect For Your State

I moved away from South Carolina, and I'm still in love. People are proud of their state and will have Palmetto Trees with a crescent moon anywhere they can.

Southerners are crazy people, but they have respect for everyone, and some have the biggest hearts. I'm proud of the way I was raised, and blessed to know the Southern living.