Sara Oberhelman (sarmober@mars.utm.edu) from 192.239.156.36 at 09/24/98 10:39AM
comment
    Being from the north and being here for about 6 weeks now has been an interesting experience. From what I have seen there have been some differences out in the real world which I think separate a southern woman from those up north. For one thing-- it's the hair. People have different hairstyles down here and it has to be from the humidity because I know most of the people I went to high school couldn't stand having their hair go flat as soon as they step outside everday! They have a different manner to themselves too. In places of work and business they seem to have an aura about them-- it's different. They seem to be more reserved and not quite as agressive as some of the business environments I've seen up north. I'm not saying it's wrong, but it's just different to me. The biggest difference, though, is in public. Every single time I go anywhere somebody gets the door for me-- whoa. I went into the grocery store and after I was done checking out I took my cart MYSELF out to the parking lot. I saw the man in the lane next to me do it so I did it too.... boy I got looks from people... I guess the bag-boys like to take women's carts out. Maybe that's just me but... I'm going to have to get used to that in a big way. In answer to that last question, I suppose I'm a technical "woman of the south" because I'm here for a while, but I definately would not characterize myself as a "southern woman," and I doubt I will ever be one. I'm a Yankee forever!!