20 Unspoken Rules of Etiquette That Every Southerner Follows

Not only does Mama salute Emily Post, but she "goes her one better."

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Updated on July 19, 2022

There's social etiquette and then there's Mama'n'em's etiquette. None of these rules are written down. Southerners just absorb them through cornbread and the liquid sugarcane we call sweet tea.

We took a quick poll of our Facebook Brain Trust and found some common threads. It should come as no surprise that many Southern rules for proper etiquette revolve around food.

First of all, we're happy to report that the more draconian dining/entertaining rules for children have loosened considerably over the years. Back in the day, children were to be "seen and not heard" when company came over. Or at the very least "speak only when spoken to." When Mama entertained the preacher, the young'uns didn't eat till the good reverend had finished, and he always got the "pulley-bone." Nowadays, there's plenty of Publix fried chicken for everybody. Still, some dining restrictions apply . . . and Mama has other rules, as well.

How to Be Polite at the Dinner Table

Never chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full. Do. Not. Smack.

Take off your hat or cap in the house, especially when eating or when a lady is present. Don't even think about coming near Mama in her house with that thing on your head. Not if you want to keep it. And we'll leave it to you to decide whether "it" refers to your hat or your head.

Elbows off the table.

Don't sing or whistle at the table.

Don't talk about unpleasantries at the table.

No cell phones at the table, in church, at the cemetery, or anywhere near Memaw. She hates those things.

Surely that stack of paper plates you just plopped down on the serving table aren't for takeout supper, prepared free of charge by your host. Surely, surely not.

How to Be a Gracious Host

When friends come over, children should let their guests choose the games and the snacks. It teaches consideration and courtesy.

Speaking of refreshments, we always offer some, even if they're simple. And we always take some (or at least offer to) whenever we attend a gathering, be it a barbecue or a funeral.

Always send a thank-you note (not a text) for a gift.

How to Be a Good Guest

It's considered bad form to ask for something to eat when you're a guest. You must wait to be offered food or drink—sometimes hope to be.

Always see your guests to the door when they leave.

How to Speak Politely

Always say please and thank you.

Always say "yes" instead of "yeah" or "yep," and if you're speaking to someone who prefers it, add a "ma'am" or "sir."

How to Show Respect to Others

Men and boys, open doors for women and girls.

Everybody holds the door open for whoever is approaching from behind you. "Southerners instinctively know if people are behind us when we're walking into stores, restaurants, and offices, and we patiently hold the door. My son inherited this ability even though he was born in NYC and is growing up northern," said Kelly, a Southerner transplanted to the Big Apple.

Men and boys should stand when a lady comes into the room or when she's being seated.

Everybody (regardless of gender) should stand when an elder (regardless of gender) enters the room or is being seated.

Never let on that you've heard PawPaw tell that story before. Says Gae in Alabama: "We are very good at listening to a friend or relative's retelling of a story for the umpteenth time as if it's the first time we're hearing it. It's respectful and just part of the fun of spending time together."

How to Behave in Church

Parents should teach their children how to handle themselves in "big church." Fortunately, there aren't that many rules to remember. It's not everything but it's enough for Junior and Sissy to qualify as raised right.