Today’s Southern Belle

There’s a common misconception about women from the south that has always irritated the heck outta me.  Generally speaking, most people who aren’t from around here think that southern women are meek and mild.  We’re the types who people think will look the other way when our husband cheats on us, wouldn’t dare speak their mind about politics or religion, and certainly wouldn’t disagree with a man about anything.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.  The “southern belles” of today are quite different than those depicted in old movies.  We’re still charming, we still make a casserole out of everything (even pineapples), we still believe in thank you cards, going to church and minding your manners.  We’re still the best hostesses on earth, and we still can’t stand for anyone to “make a scene” in public (that’s tacky).  We can still hate your guts while smiling so sweetly at you that you’ll never know it.  We love a big wedding and getting our nails done.  We don’t think ladies should drink beer out of a bottle (or can), after all, that’s what cups are for.

But, we do think women should hold political offices.  We love history, but we’re not stuck in the past.  We speak our minds – in public and behind closed doors.  We’re educated (we might talk slow, but we ain’t slow).  We raise families, run businesses and volunteer (did I mention we throw one hell of a party?).

As country singer Miranda Lambert would say, “We’re just like you.  Only prettier.”