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10 Uniquely Awesome Things About Living in the South--From a SouthernerI grew up in Arlington, Virginia, that awkward little county outside of Washington, D.C. that suffers a minute-by-minute identity crisis. It can't decide if it's a Yankee or a Southern Belle—ever. It's South of the Mason Dixon line and Robert E. Lee's family home still stands there. And yet if you asked the average Arlingtonian if they're Southern, they'd probably reply, “I'm not even from Arlington.” There are more transplants than natives, lured in by jobs with the federal government. Growing up, it was difficult to claim Southern or Northern heritage. My father's from New York, but his family first settled in Maryland when they emigrated from Scotland and his parents lived just about everywhere. My mother, on the other hand, is from Central America. But my family frequently escaped Northern Virginia and took weekend trips to other parts of the Commonwealth, from the Shenandoah Valley to Colonial Williamsburg. Those trips eventually convinced me that I was more Southern than Northern. Once I moved to Richmond at age 19, I solidified that claim. At age 24, I still think the label applies. That's why when I recently read Winona Dimeo-Ediger's article, “10 Uniquely Awesome Things About Living in the South,” I thought the points were made by the wrong person. She's originally from the Pacific Northwest and just moved to Tennessee with her boyfriend. The article was funny but ultimately not that imaginative because it relies on such clichés. Dimeo-Ediger listed things like porch sitting and sweet tea and the phrase “y'all.” These are stereotypes—innocent, totally inoffensive stereotypes but stereotypes nonetheless. As a Southern, I feel obligated to tell folks what else is awesome about the South. As in, things they haven't already heard. So here are 10 uniquely awesome about living in the South—from a Southerner: 1. There's history galore. Within a 45-minute drive of my house, I can visit any number of museums, historic homes, battlefields, and preserved plantations. My own house dates back to the 1930s, and my neighborhood's considered one of the “newer” ones. I won't pretend that visiting an old slave cabin stirs up the same feelings I get going to the candy store. Sometimes history's ugly, but no matter what, it's always fascinating. I feel fortunate to face so many reminders of the past because they inspire me to work toward a better future. Corny but true.
2. You know who your neighbors are. People tend to settle in the South. Their families have been here for generations. (And why not? It's a great place to be.) Everybody knows a little something about everybody, or at least about their mamas. Sometimes that knowledge stems from vicious gossip, but more often you get the no-nonsense account of who's who. That's likely because your neighbors have introduced themselves before you've had a chance to open your first packing box. They'll probably offer to pitch in, too. 3. It's okay to carry a little extra. This is the land of fried food and big meals. You're going to eat and you're going to eat “good.” A plump but shapely figure is not frowned upon. So if you're one to cave to societal pressure when it comes to your looks, stop stressing. People don't expect you to be super-skinny. 4. Manners matter. Because people don't tend to be in a big rush around here, they remember basic courtesy. I can count on folks to say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” If someone bumps into me, it's probably an accident and I'll hear an apology in a heartbeat. People observe etiquette, whether at a party or a picnic. Sometimes that etiquette may be taken too far, but I admire the intention: consideration for others. 5. Roots also matter. People invest in their communities because they know they're going to stay. Their grandparents lived here and they imagine their grandchildren will, too. There are definitely people who leave, whether for college, a job experience, or a “personal journey” of sorts, but they're probably going to come back when they're ready to settle down and, well, put down roots. 6. Music's everywhere. Whether we're talking Memphis Blues or Bluegrass, live music—whether formally or informally performed—is never hard to find. If there's not something happening at the local coffeeshop or fire hall, start strumming a guitar on your porch. You'll make new friends in no time. 7. 'Animal-friendly' is a given. It's warm here and, trust me, you're not the only one who wants to relish the fine weather. Fido does, too. People take their dogs around and barn cats are common. Plenty of businesses put out bowls of water for furry critters. It's not unusual for them to even welcome animals in their establishment. 8. Privacy's yours when you want it. The South is not as densely populated as the North. Sure, downtown areas tend to be crowded, but that's about it. Horrendous traffic and long lines at the supermarket don't really factor into my typical day. When I need a break, I skip over to my side porch, sit on my swinging bench, and sip a glass of sweet tea, completely shrouded by the bushes separating my hide-away from the sidewalk. As I listen to the birds sing, I might see five or ten people people pass by...on a busy day. 9. Oh, that vegetation! Palmettos, Magnolias, Azaleas, Spanish moss, Dogwoods—it'll vary depending on where exactly you live in the South, but, gee, it's gorgeous. I'm particularly fond of Magnolia trees, with their towering presence and large, waxy leaves (green on one side and brown on the other.) Then there are their drooping, cream-colored flowers. Just one makes a fragrant centerpiece to any dining room table. 10. Things are cheaper. It's a fact. The cost of living in the South is, on average, lower than it is in the North. Even the young and poor can usually afford to eat out, travel, and drive their own car. Freedom's not having to worry about money. Anything you'd like to add, Quail Bell(e)s? CommentsComments are closed.
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