When people mention “The South” what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?
When I think of the south, I think of sweet Georgia peaches…
Photo courtesy of Suat Eman – Free Digital Photos
I also think about a nice cold pitcher of iced tea, served in frosted glasses with slices of juicy, bright yellow lemons…
When I think of the south, the first thing I think about is southern hospitality. When I was in Durham last weekend, I went to the drugstore to get my son some cold and allergy medicine. As soon as I walked into the store, the clerk approached me at the door, wanting to know if I needed help finding anything. We don’t get that kind of treatment over here in Maryland. If I go to the drug store and need help, it might take me awhile to find somebody to help me, and, sometimes the workers don’t care and may tell you the wrong information – like saying an item is on row 5 when it’s really on row 12.
When we went to The Waffle House in Durham for breakfast, as soon as we walked in the door, the hostess, as well as the entire staff behind the counter greeted, “Good morning.” It’s treatment that I’m not used to in Maryland.
I recall visiting Atlanta several years ago for a business trip. When we went out to lunch and we walked to the restaurant, everybody that saw us on the sidewalk said hello – we didn’t even know these people. Over here in Maryland, we don’t really speak to one another unless we have a personal relationship with that person. It’s just a way of behavior that I’m not exposed to in Maryland.
So, what do you think about The South? Are people friendlier over there?
BTW, several people have told me over the years that Maryland is considered The South, but, I don’t consider Maryland the South….but, I guess it’s all a matter of opinion.
guess what, Ny’er are nicer than Md’ers and I live here!, MD folks tend to be a little mean. What I have found. VERY insular, not reaching out at all. NO one seems to care here. Maybe its the crime. But guess what, I didn’t have this experience when I lived in NY. NY’Ers are abusive, abrasive and can be rude, BUT mostly they do get along,there is NO unity here. Only on Yankees versus Orioles day and in MD black and white ppl dont seems to talk to one another.In NY EVERYONE goes to the game(YANKS) blk white orange and yellow, that’s why they alway WIN!! toot toot. I think b/c everyone is from the South or another country. I felt more at home there then I do here. I knew my neighbors, they were from Puerto Rico! I think you are abrasive because you have to you might get robbed!, But once they get to know you, you’re invited for dinner. There’s just tony soprano in the corner just in case stuff gets a little hairy!
I love the south! We were in Atlanta, Alabama and Florida in April and I was so impressed with the kindness of everyone. The churches were also friendly down there. As a resident of Minnesota, I really appreciate the states that reach out to travelers. Wish we did more here!
Alli, I’ve only been to NY city a few times – can’t recall much about the people. I just remember people on the NY streets selling flowers for charity (supposedly). I’m not really into sports much, so, I don’t really relate to the fact of everybody vs. nobody going to the games. My husband attends games, though. Maybe he can give insight about games in MD vs. games in NC.
@Kathy – yes, more states should really reach out to travelers and make them feel welcome. It’s just the right thing to do…
Hi, Cecelia. Comfort food is one of the first positive things that comes to my mind when someone says “the south.”
I’ve heard others say the same thing…about finding friendlier folks here.
I’ve found that NC is just special when it comes to hospitality, but also that anywhere where I’ve visited and worshipped with a congregation, there were friendly folks.
One of my younger sisters who lives in the north says it’s a shock, too, even when she stops at a gas station once she hits VA (where I live)and strangers actually speak to her.
I didn’t realize that it was the way you described it in Maryland (people proceeding with extra caution before letting folks get close.) It’s probably an individual thing. Your characters exuded warmth in John’s Quest and First Mates–but I don’t remember where they were set, off the top of my head.
Thank you for getting me to thinking…
Oops, I forgot to subscribe to the comments…I’m doing that now with this one.
Hi, Nedra! Delighted that you stopped by my blog and commented! First Mates took place in Miami and John’s Quest took place in Maryland! I guess I just create characters that exude warmth because that’s my personal preference.
Thank you, Cecelia!
I didn’t know what southern hospitality was until someone visited and kept commenting about it. Things we take for granted seem to amaze people not from the south.
For example, older people still sit on the porch and wave at every car that passes. I’ve seen this all my life, but visitors to the south wonder why they are waving.
In the military I lived in a lot of places, but there’s no place like home.
Glad you commented Eddie! That is too funny!
Thanks for posting on this topic, Cecelia! As a “true Southerner” this is something I LOVE about the South. Since I was born in Atlanta (and have lived in the area my entire life) it’s just a way of life to show hospitality to folks. It’s very common for me to talk to strangers in the grocery-store lines, at restaurants, waiting rooms in doctors’ offices, and just about everywhere! I cannot imagine living in an area that is NOT like that, but from what I hear/read, many places just aren’t that friendly. ~ I also cannot imagine living where there’s no Chick-fil-a (GASP!!). In fact, the founder (Truett Cathy) lives just a few miles from me so I’m REALLY in “Chick-fil-a Country” *smile*. ~ Thank you again for this post. Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo 🙂 p.s. I enjoyed reading JOHN’S QUEST! You graciously handed me a copy when I met you on the elevator at ACFW in MN!
Hey, Catmom
I gave you a copy of John’s Quest on the elevator at ACFW? That’s wonderful and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. My mom was raised in Mississippi and she said when she moved up North, she was upset because nobody said “Hi” to each other!
In my area, nobody speaks to one another in the grocery store. If you were to say hi to somebody in a friendly way, they would probably say, “Do I know you?”
BTW, we do have Chick-Fil-A in Maryland. I love the special sauce that goes on those chicken sandwiches. Also, they have the most awesome shakes that I’ve ever tasted! They’re the only fast food restaurant around here that closes on Sundays. I do realize that this chain started in the South, though.