Many people call these things Southern Etiquette, but many could argue they are just plain good manners! Slowly people are losing their minds and going into a “me” society. Okay, maybe not so slowly! Lol. Kindness to one another is a lost art. Today we are talking about 5 Southern Etiquette rules we shouldn’t let fade away.
Some of you might know I was raised in Ohio but have always felt Southern at heart. Some say if you aren’t born in the South, you aren’t authentically Southern, but I beg to differ! You are either a good person with a good heart or you aren’t. My parents taught my sisters and me all these Southern etiquette rules in Ohio. I guess the only difference is we called them manners. And unfortunately, they are quickly fading all around the country.
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Handwritten Notes
I have spoken about this before; I love getting cards in the mail! Throw in a handwritten note and it makes it even better! Text messages and emails are great, but nothing beats someone taking the time out of their day to send you a note or card in the mail.
Have you ever sent someone a gift in the mail, and you have no idea if they received it? You took the time to pick out the perfect gift for them. My mom taught me, and I taught my kids to always send a handwritten thank-you note whenever they receive a gift. It’s just a nice thing to do!
Hostess Gift
Invited to a person’s home for dinner or a get-together? Never show up empty-handed! This doesn’t include bringing your own alcohol or whatever you were assigned to bring for the meal. It’s such a nice gesture to bring the host or hostess a “thank-you” gift for having you over to their home.
The hostess’s gift doesn’t have to be anything expensive. It can be a flower arrangement, a small plant, or a nice bottle of wine. I am going to be doing a blog post on hostess gift ideas, so you won’t want to miss out on that! Make sure you sign up below, so you don’t miss that post!
Eye Contact
When you meet someone do you look them in the eye and shake their hand? When you’re talking to someone do you look them in the eye? Eye contact is a form of nonverbal communication and respect.
Have you noticed that people are starting to lose the ability to look others in the eye when speaking to them? I am not sure if it’s because they have their faces on their phones or they just don’t care.
Research has shown that people that look others in the eyes project confidence, interest, respect, and honesty. While on the other hand if you can’t look someone in the eyes that projects a lack of confidence, a sign of untrustworthiness, disrespect, and rejection.
Mr. & Mrs.
When I was younger, we were expected to call adults by Mr., Mrs., Miss., etc. Calling an adult by their first name just seemed disrespectful. It seems like it is the norm these days that children can call adults whatever they choose to.
The Southern states are big on using yes mam or sir which is great! But that is my opinion.
Please & Thank-you
What is the magic word? Did your parents constantly say this to you? Of course, the two most famous magic words are please and thank-you. Well, they used to be!
Why should we say those magic words? Because it’s good manners and a show of respect. It also shows the other person that you appreciate whatever they did for you or what you are getting ready to ask them to do.
I did a blog post a few weeks back that you might want to check out; You Don’t Have To Be Southern To Have Manner. You can read that here.
Bonus!
I personally think this needs to be added to the etiquette and manners list! Not saying or typing everything that is on your mind. Ever since we arrived in the social media era, we have more than our fair share of keyboard bullies. People that are extra brave to type mean comments to others on the internet because they don’t have to face them. Those words can hurt just as badly. It’s okay to just keep scrolling and not comment on everything.
So, what are your thoughts on our Southern Etiquette rules fading away? Do you agree or am I just getting old?! Lol! I have heard a few younger people mistake common manners for controlling behaviors. They don’t see it as a sign of respect to others but instead as them trying to control them. Or maybe it’s just self-involvement and unawareness of those around them. I hope things turn around soon. A little kindness goes a long way.
Comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to sign up below for updates so you don’t miss out on the upcoming post on hostess gift ideas!
Love all of this!! Born and raised in PA but lived in the South for 5 years and I was raised very similar to you! These are basic manners but I found there were some Southerners that struggled with the basic manners and even were quick to shoot off at the mouth anytime their ego was hurt. Can we also address the “Bless your heart” mentality too and the passive aggressiveness behind it? Lol
I agree! I think it is typically totally passive-aggressive all while trying to appear sweet!