We’re a rare breed down here in the South. I’ll attest to that, but I’m proud to be Southern. I’m a self-proclaimed Southern belle, and though I’m a girly-girl, I don’t mind telling you like it is, which is definitely a nod to my Southern-raising.
But, as I watch TV shows set in the South and read books written by non-Southerns set in the South, I find it funny how they see us.
So, here’s a little about us, written from the perspective of a Mississippi girl proud of her Southern roots.
- Our accents may be thick, but they’re authentic. Honey, you can’t fake this, no matter how good of an actor you are.
- Mosquitoes are real, and they will eat you alive! I’ve seen mosquitoes out in February because honestly, it never really gets cold here. So, no, though it’s ideal to leave windows up and doors open, without screens on windows and doors, you’re fighting mosquitoes, flies, and red wasps. And if we’re able to even be blessed with days where we aren’t boiling alive and can open windows and doors, it’s only a day or two a year. So, air conditioning is our best friend.
- These Christmas movies set in the South, yeah, snow doesn’t happen down here, and if it does, it only lasts for a little while and freezes on the road after it melts so we can’t drive on it. Don’t laugh at us for not knowing how to drive on ice either. Seriously, these back roads are no joke! They don’t get salted either, so it’s definitely not safe to hit black ice and go sliding around a sharp curve or fly down a steep hill.
- We speak in cliches and funny sayings such as “bigger fish to fry”, “bless your heart”, “up a creek without a paddle”, “so good it makes you wanna slap ya momma”, etc. But trust me on this. You don’t wanna slap your momma. She’ll slap you back down here!
- Speaking of mommas… Never, under any circumstances, do you test ya momma. Let me tell you. A Southern momma is a woman you don’t want to mess with. And we have mad respect for them. A Southern woman is a blessing. We love our mommas down here!
- Sweet tea. There’s really no explanation for it except for the fact that you have to know the right amount of sugar to put in your sweet tea and how to make it the proper way. I’m not talking about iced tea. That’s a whole ‘nother thing completely, and it ain’t nearly as good as what we have down here. Down here, we drink sweet tea or coke (and that’s any flavor, any brand).
- Food, family, and friends are synonymous. If you’re friends and family, we will offer you food and welcome you into our home for coffee or sweet tea to go with it.
- Don’t let our accents and cliched sayings scare you away, down here, you’re always welcome, and even though it might not be home, you’ll feel like it is!
Dreaming Awake 