What it Means to be Southern

I was born in Atlanta and consider myself a Southerner even though both of my parents were born and raised in Missouri. I’m certain my husband considers himself a Southerner as his family has resided in South Georgia for generations. We are raising our daughter to be proud of our corner of America while first and foremost, loving this country and all for which we stand. She asked me recently what "Southern" means. I found it a tough question to answer.

After discussing it with my husband, here are some of our answers.  While these won't really relate to a young child now, we sure had fun compiling our list. Please add yours in the comment section!

• Having spent at least one Spring Break in Panama City Beach.
• It's Yes Ma'am, Yes Sir, No Ma'am, No Sir - and the use of them is not optional.
• Knowing how to pass a car on a two-lane road.
• Understanding when someone flashes their headlights at you during the day, it's not a gang-sign, but warning that a police car is just up the road.
• Recognizing John Deere Green is just as annoying as Tennessee Orange, but understanding both have their place.
• Knowing that cream corn and field peas are not acceptable for Saturday night dinner.
• It's Coke, not Pepsi. And you can't make sweet tea by adding Sweet & Low to cold, unsweetened tea.
• Explaining that yes, it's a restaurant with a really good chicken sandwich, but also, Chick-Fil-A just "gets it."
• Understanding “dinner" and "supper" are both meal times and just knowing the appropriate time to use them.
• Knowing how to blow a gnat from your face without skipping a word in conversation.
• When Love Bug season rolls around, always blaming it on the University of Florida.
• Having tried every flavor of Boone's Farm before any Pinot Noir.
• Recognizing that no one has captured the Southern voice in print quite like Lewis Grizzard and no one has come close to replacing him. 
• Not having to be a Georgia fan to realize Uga is a Damn Good Dog.
• Getting a little bit excited every time you hear the Dukes of Hazzard horn or see a General Lee car and remembering you watched that show on Friday night.
• Using “y’all” on a regular basis in speech AND in writing.
• Anticipating the season’s first ripe tomato with a little Duke’s Mayonnaise on white bread.
• Relating to a lot of things that Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney sing.
• Having eaten at Waffle House both at 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
• Loving the site of a Georgia Thumper, anywhere but in your garden.

What makes you Southern? Post your answers in the comment section.