With a unique culture spanning centuries, Southerners have a set of distinct qualities. If you’ve ever met someone and instantly thought, “They must be from the South,” it’s probably due to their instant warmth, quirky accent, or big smile, all of which people from Dixieland share. Ever wondered how to tell if you’re truly Southern-bred, or are you simply curious to learn about this part of the country? Here are 18 unique traits that set Southerners apart.
Southern Hospitality
While it has become a cultural stereotype, Southern hospitality is famous for a reason. Greeting newcomers with broad smiles and welcoming them to the neighborhood is second nature to most Southerners. People here will go out of their way to help others, and part of this is making them feel at home.
They Love Sweet Tea
It might not be a personality trait to love sweet tea, but this sugary beverage holds a special place in the hearts of Southerners. In this part of the country, balmy summer evenings are spent sipping iced tea on the porch. Who could say no to that?
Chatty
Southerners are known for their love of conversation and will go out of their way to “shoot the breeze” with a friend or acquaintance. Visitors in the south often get stuck into conversation with well-meaning locals, leaving the area loaded with information and insight.
Natural-Born Chefs
Nothing is more important to a Southerner than food, especially if it’s loaded with gravy or of the fried variety. Growing up around such a rich food culture means many people in the South learn how to cook, often using family recipes that have been passed on through generations.
Politeness
Southern charm manifests in various ways, from holding open doors to greeting strangers as “Sir” or “Ma’am.” People here are known for their politeness and often go the extra mile for others. As such, customer service in the South is famously top-notch. For example, while it may seem strange to tourists, it’s usual for a restaurant owner to personally check on each table.
They Make Great House Guests
Because Southerners value hospitality, they also make fantastic house guests when they leave their neck of the woods. Rarely do hosts have reason to complain when Southerners are visiting, and they often end up relaxing while their guests help around the house or with the cooking.
They Can Handle the Heat
If there’s one thing all Southerners know, it’s how to cope with hot, humid weather. Baking hot days, stormy nights, and seemingly endless humidity mean Southerners are no strangers to uncomfortable weather. While tourists languish in air-conditioned rooms, locals are somehow donning knitted sweaters without breaking a sweat.
Distinctive Fashion
From leather accessories to blue rinse jeans and cowboy hats, Southerners are known for their distinct fashion style. Many Southerners fondly remember wearing camouflage clothing as teens, often paired with thick belts and boots. Flannel shirts are also a crucial element of Southern attire.
Lovers of Celebrations
As social butterflies, southern folk cherish a celebration and will use any excuse to organize a party or gather their loved ones together. There’s nothing someone from the South loves more than hosting or attending a party, preferably with a barbeque involved.
Strong Family Connections
Family ties run deep in Southern communities, and it’s considered important to make time for loved ones. Weekly family gatherings, often involving food and sweet tea, are a sacred part of Southern culture. If you’re from the South, you likely have strong family connections.
Spirituality
Attending church is a common practice in the South, and it is also a cherished community activity. Local churches are hubs of social activity, providing a positive experience for all generations.
They Love Nature
Southern children enjoyed the freedom to play outdoors, making the most of sunny days and their natural surroundings. As a result, most Southerners have a deep respect for the great outdoors and the natural world. They love hiking through the many national parks or taking a road trip through the mountains.
Big Smiles and Bigger Hearts
Any visitor to the South can appreciate the kindness and warmth of locals, and it’s no wonder they’re famous for their big smiles in this part of the country. Those from Northern cities often comment that Southern friendliness is a welcome change to the dismissiveness of their hometowns.
Natural Extroverts
Introverted individuals often have a tough time in the South, as extroverts and lovers of conversation surround them. Anyone new to this part of the country would do well to invite their neighbors round for tea. But they should be prepared for hour-long conversations and multiple pots of sweet tea.
They’re Team Players
Team sports such as football, baseball, and basketball have deep roots in the South, providing community engagement and camaraderie. From minor leagues to college football, weekly games draw huge crowds across Southern states, and play is possible all year round due to the warm weather. For locals, it isn’t just about the spot itself, as these games are a great opportunity to socialize and see friends.
Generosity
The cultural idea of “Southern belles” and “Southern Gentlemen” stemmed from the politeness and generosity of people from this part of the US. Southerners have a keen understanding of the culture of honor, meaning they value courtesy and, by extension, generosity. Here, people can’t do enough for each other.
Deep-Rooted Love for Fried Foods
We’ve all heard of the iconic Southern fried chicken, and it’s a cultural staple for a reason. The history of this delicious fried food is rich and complex, stemming back to the 1830s. It first became a regional delicacy in 19th-century Virginia before making its way to the dinner tables of other southern states. Now, it’s a source of pride for many Southerners.
They Respect Local Culture
From insisting on calling Coca-Cola “soda” to an ingrained love for sweet tea, southerners have a unique and ingrained culture. As such, they have a deep respect for the culture of others, and they know how important it is to cherish a local identity. Southerners often make great tourists and visitors to other countries, as they love learning about new cultures and respect when places do things differently.
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