Southern Hospitality is showing graciousness, kindness, warmth, and unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

Southern Hospitality is primarily a "proper" local etiquette (i.e., calling one "Sir" or "Ma'am," opening doors for ladies, inviting one to church functions, etc.) Although some customs may be seen as odd or even offensive by people not from the South, they are considered polite in local culture and usually meant as an expression of traditional warm greeting. (from Wikipedia)

You know "Southern Hospitality" isn't anything more than plain courtesy:  The Golden Rule personified. It can be found north, south, east, or west, and in either Northern or Southern Hemisphere. It may look a bit different in each locale, but the idea is still the same:  treating others with respect, showing kindness, going out of one's way at times to do either.

You may think of a gentleman tipping his hat to a lady, the "yes ma'am" from a youngster (no matter the age of said youngster), or someone holding a door open. These are only signs of respect to another human being. Often you'll see it more focused for those who are older or to ladies in general, but I've often opened a door for someone else allowing them to enter a store in front of me, no matter their gender or their age. I enjoy it when my husband opens my car door for me. I'm certainly capable of opening it myself, but it is a tangible way in which he can show his respect and devotion to me. I have definitely opened the front door for him when his arms are full, even if he's held back in walking into the house first in deference to me.

I'm not sure when or why "Southern Hospitality" became labeled a "Southern USA" kind of thing. Although, the Blue Willow Inn suggests that it comes of rural society where more effort was given to visit others, and therefore hospitality was paramount. It was understood that the guest had perhaps put themselves out to come visit. This mentality though could also be traced back to proper etiquette of the Middle Ages, or of the times of Chivalry, when men generally put women on a pedestal and strove to protect her.

Even waving to another passing vehicle or a nod given to a pedestrian can be considered hospitality. It's just showing that we're not in our own little enclosed world, inviolate, untouchable, invisible, and totally self-absorbed. Chit-chat, although not necessarily delving deep into one's psyche, is still a way of acknowledging another's existence with a friendly "How do you do?" or "How are you?"

So no matter your location, if you are trying to walk in love with those you pass along the way, you are more than likely showing some Southern Hospitality. Doesn't take much out of your day or time, so give a wave to a neighbor down your street as you pass, open the door for someone next time you're at the grocery store, or just smile. You may not know where one little act of kindness may end up!

Websites I referred to: http://bluewillowinn.com/southhosp.htm, http://www.chronique.com/Library/Chivalry/code.htm, and http://sd.essortment.com/southernhumor_rvwf.htm. Thanks to Kathy for her help!