A few things for an easterner to keep in mind about culture differences when he visits the great state of Texas.
Here are a few tips for an easterner who finds himself in Texas:
1. The accent difference. Texas accents are charming to outsiders, but they don't want you constantly pointing out their drawl or their use of "y'all." It's just the way they talk. Similarly, you'll find that they think you talk a lot faster and have funny sayings, as well. They may not understand the term, "wicked good." In order for everyone to get along, it is important to remember whose turf you're on and be respectful. Keep a sense of humor and laugh at the differences but not at the people.
2. The wide open spaces. Texas has its share of trees, but most of it is flat and a large part of the state has big areas of open grasslands. Cities are spread out over great distances and superhighways abound. Easterners may be used to highways and traffic, but in Texas it often seems that you have to travel very far to get anywhere. If a native New Englander travels 400 miles, he can easily drive through 4 or 5 states, while a Texan will only have crossed less than half of Texas.
3. The speed. Life in Texas is as relaxed as the southern drawl. People do work hard there, but they don't seem to get uptight like so many of their eastern neighbors. Texans know how to "sit a spell," "have a little visit," and "mosey." Easterners would do well to learn these techniques. Texans know how to get the job done without furrowing their brows and walking with a clipped eastern pace.
4. The personalities. Often easterners who are used to less-than-friendly neighbors and big city brusqueness are taken aback by the cheerful friendliness of Texans. Even just arriving at the airport, easterners will hear the wonderful accent being played out over the loud speaker, kindly announcing the next flight. Sometimes easterners mistakenly think that nobody could be that nice and that Texans must be the most fake people on earth. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Spend any time there and you'll learn that Texans are genuinely happy, kind, helpful and cheerful people. They smile, they offer you hospitality, and they'll go the extra mile.
5. The fashion. There is a legend about Texas women always looking good. The people in Texas aren't necessarily better looking than those in the rest of the country, but like everything else, they take pride in their looks. They learn at early ages how to put fashions together, apply make-up, do their hair, etc. Texans are beautiful people because they make it a priority.
6. The food. Southern cooking is a thing of beauty, though it isn't always the healthiest choice. Fried foods, slow-cooked vegetables and home baked breads are only a few of the mouth-watering choices you'll find in Texas. And easterners won't have had real iced-tea until they've been to Texas.
Although Texas and the east coast states are in the same country, they are as different as night and day. All travelers would do well to remember that anything outside our comfort zone is a foreign experience and we must be open-minded and accepting of other cultures to fully enjoy the differences.
