look! No Botox. This is unrelated to this post.

I am a mutt of place. Born near Detroit, Father Canadian. Moved from Michigan to Long Beach, MS, one block from the Gulf of Mexico, 3 weeks before I turned 7. Louisiana since 1989. Since then I’ve been all over the nation and to parts of the world and all I can say is that it’s just different in the the South.

By different I mean lots of ways. Probably all the backwards ways you’d think. But really the good ways are things that people don’t get unless they come here and walk around awhile.

For instance, everyone holds the door for everyone. Not just men for women. People will get the door for anyone. For no reason. Other than just to do so.

And the hellos, and the good mornings, afternoons, evenings. Walk down any street. People will say good morning to every person they pass. Try this in Denver or Detroit. Let me know how it goes.

In a city known for racial polarity. “Have a good day,” crosses all lines. And people look you in the eye when saying it.

One day I wanted to see how many random people in downtown Baton Rouge would give me a high five. A total stranger. Hand up. If they weren’t ready. I’d give em a little “UP HIGH!” Only one guy denied me. To his credit he was having none of it and gave me an “Awe hell no!” I appreciate his conviction for sure. Maybe he didn’t want my man germs. I get it. I may look like a homeless guys some days.

But the South is different like that. We say hello, we open doors, we may offer high fives.

And despite all the negative you hear about us. that’s what makes it great.

Now if I could only get people to wave 99% of the time when I let them in traffic. Maybe traffic turns us all into northerners.

#hugsandhi5s