who "they" were... is "why" we are

Every true Southerner knows the difference between a conniption fit and a hissie fit and that both are "pitched" not just "had"

Only a true Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who's got trouble is a platter of hot crispy fried chicken, homemade buttermilk biscuits and a big bowl of cold potato salad.
(If the neighbor's trouble is of an extreme crisis, they are also known to add a tall thin layer chocolate cake and hopefully a large banana puddin'!)

A true Southerner always has a pretty good estimate of how many fish, turnip greens, collard greens or butter beans it takes to make a good mess, just like they know...

• What the general direction of cattywumpus is
• That "gimme sugar" applies to everyone from toddlers to the revered elderly and it does NOT mean pass the sugar bowl from the middle of the kitchen table
• That if someone's "fixin" to do something, they surely will
• The distinct difference between Yankees and Damn Yankees!
• A good family dog is worth his weight in pure gold
• A "right fer piece" is way over "yonder"
• That a "redneck" has a will of iron and a solid gold heart
• You can't buy real gravy from a store
• You don't shop with shopping carts; you put your groceries in buggies
• Tea is served SWEET and COLD from a tall glass that is refilled FREELY until you've had your fill
• Coffee can be served before the meal, during the meal and after the meal from a bottomless cup with ample cream and sugar if desired.
• "Y'all" means ALL of you all and requires no addition of an " S " as it is plural already. ONE is NEVER called " Y'all "
• A true Southerner knows how good an ice cold Pepsi and a Lance nab are and where they come from!
• Rocking chairs on front porches and bench swings in the back yard are guaranteed stress relievers
• An elderly person in either of them is a valued history lesson
• Being called "dahlin" is not reserved for romance but always expresses tenderness. You do NOT however wish to be called "dahl"
• Southern Belles are also Steel Magnolias and are always held in the highest esteem
• Homemaking skills are an acquired art studied and refined as they pass from grandmother, to mother, to daughter 

and finally...

God loves everyone, even the Yankees.