For My Sister:

Tiffani and Athena will be moving to Alabama next month and there are a few important things she needs to know about living in the South:

1.) Grits are served with everything...and I do mean everything. If you request that the grits be left off of your plate, expect this question: "Ya'll ain't from 'round here, are ya?"

2.) Sweet Tea: it will send you into a diabetic coma. If you request unsweetened tea, expect this question: "Ya'll ain't from 'round here, are ya?"

3.) The BBQ in the South is Memphis style. So, if you're expecting that ooey gooey Kansas City style BBQ sauce, you will be disappointed.

4.) Don't be alarmed if someone refers to a shopping cart as a "buggy".

5.) There is a difference between the summer heat in the Midwest vs. the summer heat in the South. You will notice this as soon as you cross the Mason-Dixon line...especially the time of year you will be moving.

6.) People in the South know what the Mason-Dixon line is. This is because they created that line.

7.) That isn't dust on your car – it's pollen from the pine trees. As disgusting as it looks, it is not the stuff that makes you sneeze. The real fun comes after the pine tree pollen is gone.

8.) People in the South are friendlier...in general. Southern hospitality rocks!

9.) Southern men open the door for you. Don't fight it...just say thank you.

10.) Southern men (especially those from South Carolina) will also call you "Miss Tiffani"...don't fight it – it's sweet.

11.) Be prepared to be a minority for one of the first times in your life.