Southern hospitality essay

And because we love company and, admittedly, talking, conversations with loved ones and guests are never rushed. The motto of the South is "what's the hurry?" and that is certainly reflected in the way (and pace) in which we speak and engage other people.

While most would define Southern hospitality as being neighborly and welcoming family, friends, and, yes, even strangers into our homes, the catch-all term comes with myriad definitions.

Growing up in a small town in south Georgia —so small and bucolic, even finding it on the map is a challenge—I was raised to believe that hospitality isn't a choice.

In fact, one survey conducted by Twiddy narrowed it down to six definitive qualities, with politeness and down-home cooking topping the list, as well as the Southern states that are the most (and least) hospitable. Here, we explore those six primary characteristics of Southern hospitality that are as consistent as our famously hot summers.