This Yankee enjoys Southern hospitality
How do I love the South? Let me count the ways ?
To Yankees, especially when we first arrive, certain things about the South and the people who live here can be disconcerting. Upon closer examination, these qualities are precisely what convince us to stay.
The pace, to the northerner, at first seems, well, super-mega-ultra-slow. However there is an underlying busy-ness to it all. There is plenty of time in the South to stop and smell the roses and talk about the roses, then usually the owner of the roses will cut some and give them to you as a “welcome to our world” sort of gift. This entire process could literally take hours, but during that time you have accomplished a lot. You have smelled roses, made a friend, learned something new, and received a gift. That is super terrific compared to what you were doing when you stopped. What were you doing anyway? No matter, it can wait until tomorrow.
The food here will change your life, if you are from the North. Down here, they eat things you would never find in a northern grocery store. I have literally seen parts of animals I did not know they had in the refrigerated section of the store. When I expressed my concern, someone told me that some folks use everything but the squeal. I do not expect to adopt that policy anytime soon, however since I came here my eating habits have drastically changed, for the better!
I eat vegetables now, from a garden, well not my garden, because neither of my thumbs are green. This summer I do not recall purchasing a tomato, people just kept giving them to me, oh yeah! Some folks even put their home-grown vegetables in jars so they do not have to buy any for months. Fascinating! I still have not actually seen how they do it, but is that the coolest thing ever?
Speaking of food, let me talk to you about casserole. Oh casserole with your cheese and rice and cornbread and potato chip crust, I long to possess thee, sweet casserole ? but I digress. I have Stockholm Syndrome because of casseroles and fellowship meals. I cannot leave here now; I have fallen in love with my captor. Blast you chicken and dumplings! Why do you have to be so good?
The weather. Well many of you have asked me why I would wear shorts when it is 45 degrees outside – because I can! I am from Northeast Ohio, 45 degrees is a simmering heat wave to me. Even on cold days in Tennessee, the sun shines. In Ohio the sun disappears for nearly six months out of every year. I find the fresh air to be a novelty as well. I hear we used to have that in Ohio, but the governor voted against it a few years back.
Finally, I have to say I enjoy the phrase “bless his/her/your heart.” I was warned before I came here that you could say anything you wanted about anyone, provided you add that codicil at the end. I cannot tell you how liberating it is to say what you want without offending anyone!
Seriously though the welcome here is outstanding. People hold doors for each other, insist that guests are served first and share. What a bold concept!
What an attitude adjustment it has been for a Yankee such as I to slow down, breathe free and experience Southern hospitality at its finest right here in the heart of Tennessee. I have a new outlook on everything because of the people I have met and I look forward to my future here.
Now for those of you who do not take kindly to Yankees, you have to stop being so nice, or we will keep hanging out. If you are not sure how to be crabby, give the cold shoulder or glare at total strangers, allow me to suggest a week in my hometown.
Sincerely,
A Reformed Yankee
Ingrid Canterbury is a reporter for the Standard. She can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].