The South is known for being down-to-earth, hospitable, and laid-back. While Southerners have the ability to charm most people, some say they are too confident in getting what they want, often ignoring rules. We explore 18 times Southerners ignore etiquette rules and do whatever they want.
A Hug Instead of a Handshake
Southerners are known for their caring nature, so greetings often involve hugs instead of a formal handshake. Whether they have known you for five years or five minutes, Southerners will pull you for a cuddle no matter how much you protest.
Unsolicited Advice
Southerners believe in helping those in need, whether you want them to or not. You may not want to hear the advice that a Southerner offers, but you will hear it no matter what, as there is no such thing as doing too much in their world.
Talking about Religion
It is often said that you should never talk about religion so as not to cause offense around the dinner table. This is not the case for Southerners who eat, sleep, and breathe religion, with 45% of people in the South West saying they’re “very religious.”
Keeping Elbows off the Table
Southern meals are relaxed affairs, which means elbow etiquette goes out of the window. Southerners often prioritize making guests feel comfortable and welcome over enforcing rigid etiquette rules so you can relax if you are invited for dinner.
Not Offering Help
In some communities offering to help others all of the time can be seen as being intrusive. However, hospitality is ingrained in Southern life so people are always happy to lend a hand, even to strangers.
Being on Time
To Southerners, time is a flexible concept, and they would not bat an eyelid at arriving a few minutes late to an event. As most people in the South are the same, they don’t care too much if you are late for dinner.
RSVPs
A casual approach to RSVPs can be common in the South, especially for casual gatherings. If you are expecting an answer to your invite, you may be waiting a long time and are likely to know they are coming when they knock on the door.
Formal Attire for Weddings
Southern weddings can range from elegant black-tie events to backyard barbecues. As dress code can vary greatly people generally take the “everything goes” route so it truly doesn’t matter what you wear.
Wait Your Turn in Line
Whoever said “patience is a virtue” seemingly didn’t tell Southerners. Lines at popular restaurants or sweet tea stands might be a bit more free-flowing than in other regions, so don’t expect order.
Use Proper Grammar
The South has a rich variety of dialects, with distinct pronunciations, vocabulary, and sometimes grammar. These dialects do not use “improper” grammar but rather are established variations of American English. From “Fixin’ to” to “bless your heart,” you are likely to hear charming grammar-free speech in the South.
Never Split a Bill
While going Dutch is becoming more common, Southerners often handle group bills generously, especially within families. The need to please others and show how hospitable they can be, some Southerners don’t feel comfortable splitting a bill.
Keep your Shoes on Indoors
It is common in many cultures for people to take their shoes off indoors, but Southerners, as with most things, are more relaxed about the issue. They know that hot and humid summers mean people who are nervous about taking their shoes off.
Complain About the Weather
It is often frowned upon to constantly talk about the weather as it risks sending people to sleep. For Southerners, on the other hand, it’s a favorite pastime. The weather is a frequent topic of conversation, and a little grumbling about the heat or a storm is practically expected.
Public Displays of Affection
If you visit the South, expect to see plenty of public displays of affection. While 75% of Americans think making out in public is inappropriate, affectionate Southerners don’t like to keep their love behind closed doors.
Finish Everything on Your Plate
Large portions are common in the South and even the most hungry of diners cannot finish. Don’t worry, there is no food going to waste as Southerners love to take home leftovers for lunch the next day.
Never Mention Politics
Like religion, politics can be a passionate topic of conversation in the South, so expect hearty debate if you are asked over for dinner. Over half of House Representatives are from Southern states, which means Democrats have their work cut out trying to convince their neighbor to change their vote.
Keep your Emotions Bottled Up
Southerners love to let it all out, and they don’t care who hears. While there will be occasions of too much information being shared, it is great that Southerners feel they can talk about their feelings rather than letting them stew inside.
Skip the Thank You Note
Like RSVPs, thank you notes are in short supply in the South. That is not to say that Southerners aren’t grateful; they will show you a whole lot of love in return for your hospitality. A handwritten note might be replaced with a casserole or an invite for drinks in the garden.
21 American Norms That Make the World Go ‘Huh?
We’re venturing into the diverse landscape of American quirks that make outsiders go, “Wait, what?” From the red cup phenomenon to the maze of tipping etiquette, the U.S. has its own set of head-scratchers that might leave our international pals raising an eyebrow or two.
21 American Norms That Make the World Go ‘Huh?
10 Things Americans Dislike About Living in America
The United States is a great country with a lot to offer its residents. However, there are also some aspects of daily life in the US that can be frustrating or challenging.
10 Things Americans Dislike About Living in America
10 Factors That Challenge America’s Status as the Greatest Nation
The United States, once celebrated as a symbol of distinction, is now navigating a narrative in flux. Challenges such as gun violence, healthcare disparities, declining life expectancy, and socioeconomic gaps are reshaping the perception of its trajectory.
10 Factors That Challenge America’s Status as the Greatest Nation
