I know what you were thinking when you read that headline. You were thinking that no one in their right mind would enjoy anything in that summer Southern heat. Well, you are completely wrong. If you talk to anyone who was raised in the South or who has lived in it for an extended period of time, they will tell you that it is something you just accept. Now, notice I did not say adapt to. No one adapts to tha heat, and before we go any further, please realize also that 100 degrees in Phoenix still doesn't even compare to 89 degrees in the South. The humidity is killer. However, I'm supposed to be bragging about the South, so let's get into that....

1. You Will Learn Functional Fashion

We have established that it is hot down here, so you have to figure out at a young age how to dress for the weather while still looking cool (and yes, I mean both ways). However, you have to remember that most places are blasting the AC on full blast, so to see me toting my Patagonia around is nothing to be shocked about. They come in handy. You can obviously throw it on if you get cold inside, you can tie it around your waist to hide embarrassing back sweat, or sit on it in a restaurant to avoid the pain of separating your bare leg from the pleather seat cushion.

2. You Will Have A New Love For The Outdoors

Whether it is heading out to the lake or river or a late night bonfire with s'mores, we know how to have fun outside. There is always somewhere and something to do in the summer in the South. Southern land is anything but flat, so you can explore a new trail every weekend. There are tons of bodies of water to get cooled off in, whether it's your neighbors' pool or taking the boat out on the river. We are cooped up all winter, so when we get outside again, it's hard to get us back indoors!

3. You Will Learn The Best Hair Secrets

Believe it or not, Pinterest doesn't have anything on us! You want your hair to stay put in the humidity? Ask a Southern lady. If we can get our kinky, frizzy hair smooth and styled in the Southern summer, we can help anyone! When you ask her, she will tell you it is a lot of work, but it is so worth it! I saw the meme above and immediately died laughing. I think every Southern lady feels the same. However, we are willing and understanding to the long process it can take to achieve. The process of washing my hair, conditioning my hair (and yes, I am one of those that say leave it on as long as possible), and styling it can take an hour. This is all so no one starts singing "The Circle of Life" when I get to where I'm going.

4. If You Are Willing To Ask, We Can Help You Find The Best Places

You want a good lemonade? I can tell you about the little market downtown that has a blackberry lemonade out of this world! If you want sweet tea, I would ask if you like good Mexican food to go with it! Frozen yogurt? BBQ? Local food? We know where to go and what to get! Probably because we know the owners too! Never worry about asking a Southerner for advice either, we aren't scared to share our favorites!

5. We'll Leave You With A Smile

From all the summer concerts outside to your gratitude of a cold winter, when you spend your summer down South you will find a whole new appreciation. We will teach you to leave everyone you pass with a smile, always say thank you for the great memories, and love fresh water fun as much as salt water. Life in the South is amazing, but summer in the South is more than words can express!