I have never lived outside of the south. I was born and raised in East Tennessee, and I've loved every minute of it. Here in the south, we have a unique way of doing things. So y'all, come on in, grab a glass of tea, and listen to some social norms of the south.
Shoes optional, manners required.
Unless my family was going out, or I was at school, I was barefoot. All the time. I am currently barefoot now. Even if we wanted to run outside and play, no shoes were on. And if I or my sister stepped in dog poop, well, the other had a good laugh. One of my favorite feelings is fresh grass between my toes. Being barefoot is awesome.
On the other hand, when we did go to school or go out, our shoes were on and so were our manners. "Yes, please." "No, thank you." These were just a couple of the things that were expected of my sister and me. We were also taught to call adults "sir" or "ma'am," whether we knew them or not, and especially if we didn't know them. (This was a really frustrating barrier with my psychology teacher, who didn't want his students calling him "sir".) Also, once we did know an adult, we were taught to call them by Mr./Mrs./Ms. and their last name until they told us otherwise.
Other manners, such as holding the door for the elderly, not eating until the blessing was said, and so forth were also expected of my sister and me. We were scolded if we didn't use our manners.
For me as an adult, this is normal. I still use my manners today, all out of respect.
Mamaw's kitchen is closed for visitors.
Unless we were helping with the cooking or sitting at the counter top island a safe distance away from the chaos that ensued, we were banned from the kitchen. It was safer for every party involved. Kids were usually kicked outside to play until Mamaw came out and rang the dinner bell. The kitchen is a dangerous and sacred place, and if we didn't want a wooden spoon to our rear ends, it was best to just stay away.
However, some of my favorite memories growing up were in both of my mamaws' (my mother's mother, and my dad's grandmother) kitchens. I can remember being four years old sitting on my great mamaw's counter watching her make homemade pumpkin pie. Life lessons from a 95-year-old woman are some that I will hold with me for the rest of my life.
(Side note, southern food is the best. Hands down, not sorry.)
Act like you've got some raisin'.
Like I said earlier, manners were crucial to my upbringing and helped shape me into the adult I am today. Most of the time, my sister and I were good kids. We didn't get in trouble too often, but when we did, we got a variety of punishments. I've been sent to my room, stuck in a corner, actually been grounded from my room and forced to play outside, had my mouth washed out with soap (no, not the "A Christmas Story" version. ACTUAL dish soap on my mother's hand) and spanked. My sister and I have been spanked with everything between a switch to a wooden spoon to a flip flop. The most terrifying words we ever heard were, "Do you want me to take you outside?" which translated as, "Quit goofing off or else I'll spank you where there are no witnesses."
Don't get me wrong. My parents were awesome, but they expected their children to act like "civilized human beings" (quote my father). And for all intents and purposes, I do believe we turned out okay.
These are just a few southern rules that I personally had growing up. I wouldn't trade my upbringing for anything. I love my sweet tea and my favorite football team. Yes, the South has some issues, but I love it. And if you don't, well then, bless your heart.
