Grayson West
Let’s face it: You were raised in the South, and no matter how far you roam, that Southern spirit sticks with you. You might not even realize it, but the DNA runs deep. Curious to know just how much of it is still in your bones? Let’s find out what makes you a true Southerner.
“Ma’am” And “Sir” Were Your First Words
Manners weren’t optional; they were mandatory. You’ve been saying “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir” since you could talk, and it still slips out even when you’re talking to a barista or your friend’s dog. For you, it’s not about age but respect.
Fried Food Was Basically Its Own Food Group
Doesn’t matter what it was—okra, chicken, butter (yes, butter). If it wasn’t sizzling in oil, it didn’t count. You learned that fried food represents love, which is wrapped in batter and served with paper towels to absorb the happiness.
You Couldn’t Go A Day Without Saying “Y’all”
Your vocabulary was built on “y’all.” Whether you were talking to one person or ten, it worked. It’s the Swiss army knife of Southern speech. Warm, welcoming, and always better than “you guys.” Try going a whole day without saying it. Impossible.
Even Strangers Got A Friendly Wave
Driving down back roads, your hand naturally lifted off the wheel in that casual, two-finger wave. Didn’t matter if you knew them; that was just being polite. If someone didn’t wave back, you probably spent the next mile wondering who raised them wrong.
Family Reunions With 100+ People
If your reunions needed a pavilion and picnic tables, you were raised in the South. These gatherings were big potlucks, which had everything from casseroles to fried chicken, and cakes that were big enough to serve a wedding. Somewhere, someone was always grilling.
Mac And Cheese? Definitely A Vegetable
At Sunday dinners, nobody questioned it. Grandma plopped a scoop of creamy mac n’ cheese next to the green beans and said, “Eat your vegetables.” You nodded. That’s just how things worked. And deep down, you still believe cheese and elbow noodles count as produce.
Your Nose Was Better Than Any Weather App
Before radar apps and weather alerts, your nose knew. That sharp, damp smell meant lightning was on the way. You’d shout it through the house like a breaking news alert. The family scattered, porch cushions flew, and the dog panicked. All because your nose twitched.
“Bless Your Heart” Was Your Secret Weapon
It might’ve sounded kind, but don’t be fooled. Said with softness, it showed concern. Said with a pause, it meant you were in trouble. When Aunt Judy used it? Someone was walking straight into a sugar-coated burn. Only the South could make sass sound so sweet.
Comfort Food Came With A Side Of Healing
Bad day? Biscuits. Good day! Biscuits. Banana pudding or mac and cheese weren’t just meals for you. They were therapy and tradition, made with love and passed down with pride. You grew up believing most problems could be fixed with food that hugged your insides.
Porch Sitting Was The Best Seat In The Storm
While everyone else rushed inside, you and your cousins (all 37 of them) sat on the porch, watching lightning light up the sky. Tornado warnings were just a heads-up to grab snacks. A good Southern storm didn’t scare you because it just meant that nature was in the mood to perform.