A New Yorker’s Thoughts On Southern Hospitality

At the risk of sounding completely ignorant, I’ll confess that I used to think the concept of “southern hospitality” was a myth.

I thought it was something people from the south talked about to entice others to visit. Or a way of bragging about how great their home state was, and make you jealous that you weren’t blessed enough to be brought up in the south. If you didn’t sit with your mama drinking sweet tea on a porch swing, did you even have a childhood?

Turns out there’s nothing more real than good, down-home southern hospitality.

I’m so glad I was wrong.

A Welcoming Attitude

My introduction to southern hospitality was during a trip to the grocery store during our first week here. Random people in the checkout line said hello. The cashier asked how I was doing, and waited to hear the answer.

Our family heard “Welcome to Tennessee!” repeatedly in our first few weeks- and we even continue to hear it now. When people discovered that we’d just moved from New York, they gave us a warm welcome, and said we were going to love it here. (The only exception to this was a moody teenage cashier, who told us there was nothing to do in this town except ride ATVs. Bless her heart.)

The first time I went to an event hosted by the local moms group, I didn’t expect too much. But instead of being the awkward outsider as I’d anticipated, I found myself sitting on a picnic blanket surrounded by other moms. They asked me meaningful questions, and welcomed me and my kids with genuine interest. I never imagined that day would be the start of several friendships.

Love of Neighbor

That same group of moms banded together a few months later to throw a surprise housewarming party. It was seriously amazing. They knew we’d been waiting for a long time to finally move into our house, and took the opportunity to shower me with gifts and love.

Another way I see southern hospitality displayed in our area is in the general attitude toward small businesses. I have never seen so much support for shop owners, local restaurants, and family-run businesses before. The parking lots at mom-and-pop stores are full, and people recommend local cafes and restaurants constantly- both in person and on social media. The community is understanding when places close unexpectedly for maintenance or family matters. It’s a beautiful thing.

Manners

This is a bold generalization to make, but so many people up north are sour and rude. Now that I live in Tennessee, I’m convinced that the 100 fewer days of sunshine per year may have something to do with it. Everyone’s suffering from cabin fever and vitamin D deficiency up there!

Really, though. Here, strangers speak politely to each other. Men hold the door for women and call them “darlin” in a completely wholesome, respectful way. People say “excuse me” as they pass by. And my personal favorite is the thrift shop ladies, who always tell me to have a “blessed day” as I leave the store.

A Way of Life

In short, southern hospitality is far from a myth. It’s a mindset and a way of living, and it’s amazing. I just hope it rubs off on me and my family, so we can bring our own little rays of southern sunshine to the lives of others.

And if you’re at all skeptical of the concept, like I was, come on down and see for yourself!

Have a blessed day, y’all.

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