And Then There are the Games People Play

I’m often asked if there are really such differences in the social customs of the north and the south, or is it that southerners just enjoy perpetuating the myth? I’ll tell you a story; you decide.

My friend and his wife go to a small country church in Mississippi that recently held their annual spring revival. As is the custom, several members of the congregation took turns hosting the visiting preacher. Buddy and Lori Ann took the first day, the Sunday morning service.

After church they all sat down to Lori Ann’s fine home cooking. They were finishing up their pie and coffee when the visiting preacher looked at his wife and commented, “Well, that was delicious, but I suppose we should be going.” And this is when the fun began for the preacher and his sweet wife weren’t from around here, and were therefore oblivious to the fact that such a comment would set in motion one of our most traditional southern dances.

Buddy came back with the only proper reply. “No need to rush off. Have another cup of coffee.”

A good while later the preacher set his cup down and tried again, “That sure was nice, but I guess we’ll be going now and let you people get some rest.”

Buddy and Lori Ann could taste the luxury of a Sunday afternoon nap, but the southern rules of hospitality are not made to be broken down here so they moved into the second phase of the waltz. “What’s your hurry? There’s a good game on TV.”

Now, had they said this to fellow southerners, said southerners would’ve replied, “Oh, no—we can’t, really,” and that would’ve been that. Instead, the other couple looked at each other and sat back down. Buddy and Lori Ann were looking at each other, too. Matter of fact, they might all still be there if Lori Ann’s youngest child hadn’t poked his Mama and said what everyone else in the room was thinking, “Mama, are they gonna stay here all day?”

Hugs, Shellie