G.R.I.T.S. and Google

So you now know how to date like a southerner (Love and RSS), socialize like a southerner (Socializing with Social Media), cook like a southerner (Fish Fries and Forums), spring break like a southerner (Partying with Podcasting), music fest like a southerner (Jam Out with YouTube), and speak like a true southerner (Social Media Releases with a Southern Drawl). But what does it truly mean to be southern?

For women, it means being a G.R.I.T.S. For those of you who find yourself scratching your head and wondering why women have to be coarsely grounded corn, allow me to explain. In addition to being a cooking staple of the South, G.R.I.T.S. also refers to Girls Raised In The South. They have a mystique that captures a man’s attention and steals hearts. Their God given grace and sense of pride set them far from any ordinary girl, as they know their roots and work hard for their money. They strive to succeed and refuse to back down for anyone who can’t keep up. Intimidating by nature, they have high expectations and settle only for the best. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like a woman southern born and bred.

But make no mistake – although being raised in the South is a blessed coincidence, it takes time, skill, and experience to become a true southern belle. Therefore, I will gladly introduce the ins and outs of maintaining southern belle status. So ladies, this one’s for you. If you find yourself lacking grace, charm, and wit, take notes. But if you consider yourself an experienced southern belle veteran, feel free to add additional tips below in the comment box.

Don’t worry gentlemen, I didn’t forget about you. Although this how-to guide isn’t directed towards you specifically, it’s crucial to understand and appreciate the important characteristics which are about to be introduced. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to date a southern belle, you may want to also consider taking notes, for it will be vital in finding a sophisticated, charming, and respectable woman (this is not to say that they can’t be found elsewhere). And if you have been fortunate enough to date a southern belle, you may want to hang on tight. After all, a southern girl makes the best friend, the worst enemy, and the hottest girlfriend. If you don’t believe me, take country singer Kenny Chesney’s advice:

“Southern girls are God’s gift to the entire male population. There is absolutely no woman finer than one raised below the Mason-Dixon line, and once you go Southern may the good Lord help you – you never go back.”

So ladies, listen closely. Fellas, grab your pens and paper, because class is back in session!

According to wikiHow, the following suggestions are vital for becoming the perfect southern belle, including, 

1. A southern belle must first be presented into society. This is where a debutante ball or cotillion comes in handy.

2. A true southern belle has perfect manners. Therefore it’s important to realize and practice proper table manners. In addition, it’s only polite to respond with “Excuse/Pardon me” when colliding with another, to smile and say “Thank you!” when given a compliment, and to be polite to everyone (yes, everyone includes your worst enemies. If you just can’t bear the thought of someone,  simply “kill them with kindness.”)

3. Respect your elders. This requires a sincere use of “Ma’am” and “Sir,” unless told otherwise. 

4. Add the nickname “Sugar,” “Sweetheart,” “Darlin’,” “Lamb,” and “Baby” to your vocabulary and start to call your friends that. However keep in mind that some people are highly offended by the use of “pet names,” so don’t overdo it. Make sure to use the upmost grace and charm when doing so and never use them when referring to your elders (refer to tip #3).

5. Make sure you always dress well, and are presentable at all times. Southern ladies love wearing dresses, pearls, heels, and nice jackets. However, avoid anything too revealing, as it is not the lady like way to present oneself.

6. Always keep yourself looking clean and neat. Bathe every day, wear a light perfume, keep your hair looking nice and clean, maintain manicured and polished nails, and never overdo the make up!

7. Southern belles are very family oriented. Remember that blood is thicker than water, so make sure to love and spend enough quality time with your family. The use of “Momma” and “Daddy” never get old, no matter how old you are.

8. Take compliments well. Don’t draw attention to yourself by shooting down a respectful comment. Instead, smile and respond “Thank you!” while offering a compliment back.

9. A southern belle always has a bright, warm smile on her face. So smile!

10. A southern belle is sweet, kind, and generous to everyone she comes across. This is where “Southern hospitality” kicks in.

11. Learn how to make sweet tea! It’s a southern delicacy and should be offered to all guests! (For 21+ only: If you just can’t get enough of that sweet tea taste, try Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka or Sweet Carolina Sweet Tea Vodka on the rocks or mixed for a truly southern taste.)

12. Finish school. A southern belle has an education and a good head on her shoulders.

13. Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. A southern belle would never be caught singing drunk in her panties. It’s just not lady like.

14. Never swear. Leave it for the sailors. Swearing shows a lack of intelligence, it sounds dirty, and it’s completely unnecessary. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

15. Never speak of using the restroom to anyone. Simply excuse yourself.

16. Have a genuine, sweet, down-to-earth attitude. Key word: genuine. 

17. Pay attention to how you present yourself. Hold your head high, maintain good posture, and always have a neat, groomed appearance. Act like you belong, but don’t be snoody.

18. Never talk or gossip about people. That’s just tacky.

19. Never chase a man. And I mean never. Act innocent, but play hard to get.

In a nutshell, Southern Lady Magazine summarizes the southern lady as so:

“‘Southern Ladies’ have their own way of doing things! While they are cutting edge and trend setting, they still remember their roots and treasure their traditions. They cherish their families, stand by their values, and take pride in who they are. They like to make a big to-do about milestones. They are always gracious, welcoming, distinguished, and prepared, oftentimes with a home-cooked meal. Appearance matters in many different ways. And because they are well traveled, well read, and well educated, they recognize that they are special, and they are drawn to people and businesses who appreciate them for who they are.”

But don’t just listen to me, see for yourself. Chelsea Cooper, current Miss Pensacola USA 2011, is one of the South’s finest examples of a true southern belle. From years of training and pageantry, she currently represents Pensacola, FL. with grace, charm, and elegance.  For more tips on how to become a southern belle, feel free to follow her as she competes for Miss Florida USA in Miami this July.

Although becoming a southern belle may sound simple, it takes years of hard work, dedication, and practice. It’s not for the weak at heart or for the weary, so prepare yourself. However, do remember that the price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.  If you find yourself overwhelmed by the mandated criteria of becoming a true southern lady, or forgetting a rule every now and then, all hope is not lost. With today’s increasing technology capabilities, you’ll be able to easily access any southern belle handbook at the simple click of a button.

With increasing mobile device use, the amount of mobile applications continues to increase as well. But where did mobile apps come from? Created by developers, mobile applications can be distributed independently to almost any smart phone (Blackberry, iPhone, etc). However, most smart phones now have their own applications which are continuing to advance and improve, allowing functionality to phones. While some applications enhance online experience, some remain unique and don’t require any online activity whatsoever. Like people, mobile applications come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from Google search applications and instant messaging applications to pizza ordering services and sheep launching games. Take a look for yourself.

Therefore, if you have access to a mobile phone, you practically have access to an endless highway of information – all at your fingertips. With mobile applications providing users with enhanced versions of online presence, you’ll be able to pull up guidelines to just about anything in the blink of an eye, including the do’s and don’ts of proper southernism.

So there’s no excuse for failure with such easily accessible mobile applications. Ladies, start painting those nails, stringing on those pearls, and smiling with that sly southern grin. Fellas, you now have a new standard, so get to it darlin’!

xoxo, Nikki May