Are people really nicer down south?

[Fantasmic303]

I'm from Connecticut too, and I never knew we weren't a friendly breed...

I agree with what some others have said, that it's really dependant on the situation and the person. We're pretty close to NYC (but still the 'burbs), and, yes, when we're in NY, there's a different mood, but I wouldn't say it's any less friendly than being in the South. Faster, yes...but not unfriendly.

Of course, I'm one of those people who smiles at everyone, says thank you and hello even when not prompted, and can start a conversation with a complete stranger.

And you know what? I've rarely met someone who doesn't return the favor when I do any of the above. Even up here in the big bad North.


On another note - I find the iced tea thing humorous, although I've never heard it to be "out of season". We (in our house) stop brewing around October, but only because it gets so nippy we're looking for hot beverages. You can still buy it places though.

 

[poohandwendy]

There are nice and not-so-nice people here, there and everywhere.

I think it is all about the perspective you have gained from your local customs. Regional customs often determine what we consider 'friendly' behavior. What is considered 'friendly' in one area may be considered intrusive or pushy in another. If you are very private person, an overwhelming person you don't know gushing with conversation may seem rude/overbearing. If you are super outgoing, people who keep to themselves may seem standoffish and rude. Deciding they are not friendly because they don't share the same social customs may be shortsighted.

One example is whether or not you expect your friends/family members to call ahead before stopping over to visit. In some areas, it is considered too formal to call ahead of time if you are good friends, you just show up and expect others to also. In other areas, it is considered intrusive to not call ahead, even if you are family. Does that determine the 'friendly' vs the 'not so friendly'? Not really, just different.

 

[Pugdog007]

I don't talk to strangers and I'd prefer that you do not make eye contact with me on the streets. I also don't feel the need to speak to the person in front or behind me in the checkout line. I'm in a hurry. Always. I also don't think your kids are cute... they are annoying.

People down here are nosey. I think I'm a displaced northerner.

 

[onecoolmama]

Originally posted by Pugdog007
I don't talk to strangers and I'd prefer that you do not make eye contact with me on the streets. I also don't feel the need to speak to the person in front or behind me in the checkout line. I'm in a hurry. Always. I also don't think your kids are cute... they are annoying.

People down here are nosey. I think I'm a displaced northerner.

This would be the exact same response my DH would have

 

[kwdietrich1]

Well 20 years ago when I moved with my parents from NC to PA, we thought we had entered another country! We experienced such ignorance from our neighbors and many people we ran into at stores and such. I actually had several of my classmates and teachers (yes well educated teachers) ask me if I was from England! I was very confused as I have listened to the English accent, I think both accents sound completely different. Apparently we were the first people that ever moved from the south into this town. Now this was not a rural town. My teacher actually had the nerve to suggest that I was slower and 'stupider' (her words) because I was from the south and it would take me a while to catch up! Now I realize not all northerners are/were like that. As we got to know people in our town, we encountered very lovely and friendly people.

Down south it was a custom to address adults as Miss Meredith or Mr. Jack even if your were just introduced to them. Well I got yelled at the first time I tried to do this in PA. My mother had to explain to me that in the North we must never use the first name of an adult without their permission. This was such a shock!!! I clearly got over it! LOL

Fast forward to today. I have lost most of my accent, but still get the occasional question of where I am from, but this has been my home for many years, and I am quite happy here. There are nice people everywhere in the US.

 

[Planogirl]

I've met people from all over during our travels and many of them have been nice. But southerners in smaller towns seem to be the most polite and talkative in general. It may be fake but it sure is nice to be able to approach people so easily. I noticed this last in the St Augustine, Florida area. St Augustine really isn't THAT small but the people sure are friendly.

The nicest people I've EVER met were people in Arkansas. I remember a time when my car broke down in the middle of nowhere there and how many people went out of their way to help me. That leaves an impression.