Be Polite, It Could Save Your Life

One of the nicest southern gentlemen I know, Ben, sent me this article today. Attention Northerners: We love you, we welcome you, but mind your manners…it could save your life.

Why is it that we Southerners are so polite? Is it because when we were little our parents would go outside and “get a switch” if we were not? Or is it just in our genes? I don’t know about you, but I get fired up if someone doesn’t hold the door open for others. Drives me bananas. Why is that? Why do I care? I’m not sure, exactly, but I do.

If you’re from the South and you already abide by the advice I’m about to give, please move on with your day. If not, take notes. There will be a pop quiz the next time you’re out and about.

Most of this is common sense, but I looked up the 5 basic rules of Southern Manners – and expanded them:

1. Modesty is a wonderful quality. Gettin’ up on a high horse or actin’ all highfalutin’ is just plain undesirable.

2. Others first, self last. This goes for walking through doors, going through a serving line, etc. It’s pretty simple, really.

3. Be courteous. Remember the whole, “do unto others” lesson? It still applies when you’re 25, or 42, or 79. After 80 you can do whatever the heck you want.

4. Behave yourself. Southern moms are notorious for telling their children to “act right” before going into a store/church/anywhere in public. Again, this still applies when you’re old. Don’t be rude, use profanity (I fail at this a little) or do anything else that would embarrass you if it was posted on YouTube. Because your Mama taught you better than that. And she’ll still take a switch across your hind legs if you give her reason to.

5. Be friendly. Ask how your neighbors are doing, speak to the guy who delivers your mail, say “hello” when you enter a store. And smile, for goodness sakes. As Truvy in Steel Magnolias said, “it increases your face value.”