Southern hospitality is typically referred to when speaking about the warmth and openness of southerners. More specifically their ability to make you feel like you belong. People that exemplify this hospitality are supposedly truly southern. This is definitely something that I think exists and have had first hand experience with. Surely it’s definitely more noticeable in certain places but there are many subtle things that make a world of difference. Starting with people’ tone of voice and expression when meeting someone and conversing with them. The excitement and interest they express makes people more comfortable and free. Many people hold strongly to “please and thank you.” Also, there is always respect in southerner’s voices. The people hold you up and make you feel special. Many of these things may be interpreted wrongly…. For example, the interest in what others have to say have been viewed as “Southerners are dumb and are always excited for knowledge,” or that their respect for people is because the other people are actually better than them. This is wrong; Southerners know what they are doing and manage their skills to appropriately manage visitors.
One factor that was brought to my attention years ago and has always stood out was their ability to remember people’s names and to always refer to people by their name. This gives an enormous but yet subtle amount warmth and feeling of importance. Another important part of southern hospitality is the willingness to have others in their home. They will always have their house prepared and keep the food ready and the best stocks available. Welcoming visitors to take part in old traditions or southern games and festivities is also another part of their hospitality that can go a long way.
Southerners truly know how to make the difference when it comes to keeping doors open and hearts warm.
I have encountered some of the most hospitable people in the world down here in New Orleans: the Coon-ass Cajuns
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