I read something today, someone else's blog, and they commented on how their Southern upbringing has affected their life. I saw myself and the women of my life reflected in her story.
We all tend, from time to time, to think of ourselves as simply normal, and then at other times we believe we are so weird compared to those around us. Growing up in the South has always been seen as something negative in some circles. Apparently, the rest of the world assumes that those raised in the South must have been forced to run around barefoot in the grass or were neglected the education and upbringing of the city. There are those that also see the grace and hospitality that is so intrinsic in our manners of dealing with others, and how can that be seen as bad? Despite what you think, there are some things that we learn in the South that we wouldn't learn anywhere else, and I see the affects of those "Southern traits" everyday.
For instance, have you ever noticed how Southern women react when they are interrupted or asked to do something? It seems we were all bred to be cheerfully interrupted. Always appeasing, always hospitable. We may hate the fact that someone has called us in the middle of our favorite TV show or may be so angry that someone has called and asked us to babysit for them again, but we hide it all away with a smile and a kind phrase or gesture.
What about when someone is sick? I've never received so many "get well" wishes and concerned phone calls as I have when surrounded by Southern Belles. The ladies of my church must have their own charming little desks full of assorted "thank you," "get well soon," and "thinking of you" cards. And with this constant influence surrounding me, I have to admit that I am no different. I have a card box full of cards for every occassion, and I feel so ashamed when a birthday card or thank you card doesn't get in the mail ASAP. It's that Southern hospitality guilt. Oh, and I don't think anyone above the Mason-Dixon line sends casseroles to heart attack survivors, but the Southern Belle-and-food relationship is a whole nother story.
It's amazing the Southern etiquette rules we live by. From weddings and funerals to holiday gatherings and church potlucks...we all live by that code of ethics that our mothers and grandmothers passed down to us. We follow the make-up and fashion rules and know what it takes to be a good hostess. From the little diddy "Don't wear white after Labor Day" to "Never go to a potluck empty-handed," we have all lived by the rules. I must admit that I always wear white sandals Labor Day weekend like it's a last hurrah for those soon-to-be-imprisoned flip-flops. I parade them around town one last time before I put them on their shelf in the closet...never to be seen again until Easter. Oh, and don't get me started on Southern wedding rules...I've never had so many women warn me about breaking bows on wedding gifts until I had a wedding shower at my church. Relax ladies, I guess it's safe to say that I broke at least one of those huge and completely Southern Belle-esque bows that you so patiently made at home for my prettily wrapped gifts. Yes, the baby's due March 2nd.
I'm on my way to becoming a true Southern Belle, of that I am sure, but at least I know I will have some hospitable company in the regiment. I'm so glad that my 2 best friends will be right beside me in the ranks. I know Beth will be a Major before too long...she's an amazing hostess, and Caroline is sure to appease all around her and look good while doing it. As for me, well, I'm pretty good at being cheerfully interrupted.
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