Southern Ladies…
Posted by PaulFeb 18
…can get away with just about anything as long as they start with “Bless his/her heart…” or end with “…God love him/her.”
Really, it’s criminal.
You know you’ve heard it. And I think it’s spreading all over the country. People can make fun of the South all they want, but secretly – I think you’d love to be able to just tell it like it is sometimes, and Steel Magnolias from Richmond to Dallas know the trick.
Just a few examples if you don’t mind:
Bless her heart…
…She can’t help being ugly, but she could have stayed home.
…Betsy’s a wonderful baker, but I’m afraid to eat anything from a kitchen that dirty!
And then there’s the “God love her” thing. “Bless her heart” is reserved for minor to major insults. “God love him/her” is for serious character asassination.
“God love her”…
…10 children, she couldn’t say no to an ugly midget.
…she’s a wonderful person, but with that sorry husband, she’s just too much work.
…if she hadn’t married money, she’d have no taste at all.
You’ve met them, seen them on TV and in the movies, and you may have even quoted one of them here or there.
You know who they are, the Julia Surgarbakers and Clairee Belchers of the world, the women you love to hate and want to be.
One of my favorite scenes from Steel Magnolias is when Clairee and Truvy are talking abou the new park dedication…
The only thing missin’ was a “God love her” or “Bless her heart”.
So, if somebody winds UP a sentence with “Bless your heart”, get ready, you’re about to be slammed. And if they end it with “God bless you/her/him”, well, it wasn’t meant to hurt – more’n a little anyway.
8 comments
Comment by Mackenzie on February 18, 2010 at 6:52 am
As you and I are both genetic southerners who’ve come home, like Jews to the promised land, I think you see Southern culture more clearly. No matter where you leave people are thinking catty and rude things about you, at least in the South we say them out loud and believe God still loves you.
Comment by Becky @ beckydell.blogspot.com on February 18, 2010 at 8:14 am
So true!!!! This post is a great way to start a Thursday! I absolutely love that you have watched “Steel Magnolia’s enough to quote it AND have a favorite part, bless your heart.
Comment by emily e on February 18, 2010 at 9:24 am
As a Southern Lady myself, I prefer “bless his little heart.” The “little” adds a little extra punch.
Comment by Mary on February 18, 2010 at 11:06 am
I grew up with a Grandmother fom Alabama and was rasied in the South, grew up and married a Yankee. I have to not only agree with UP but with Mackensie also! People will always talk but at least us Southerners are honest!!
Comment by Jenny (your lovely niece) on February 18, 2010 at 12:57 pm
I loves me some Clairee. Bless her heart, she’s as mean as a pit bull! Great post, I was rolling!
Comment by The Urban Cowboy on February 18, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Another thing about southern belles is they NEVER wear their hearts on their sleeves!
Comment by UP on February 18, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Oh, no, NEVER!!
UP
Comment by Zola, UP's Sister on February 24, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Loved this, my favorite joke is about the little “poor” sountern girl that her husband sent her to charm school. She learned to say “it’nt that nice.” in lieu of “Screw you bi—!”