The Southern Goodbye

The South is full of all sorts of charming little quirks. We hold doors open, wave at total strangers, and spark up full-blown conversations in the grocery store checkout line. But my favorite quirk of all? Hands down, the Southern goodbye.

If you’re from anywhere else, you’re probably scratching your head.

But if you were raised below the Mason-Dixon, you’re already grinning.

Because down here, saying goodbye doesn’t mean a quick exit. Oh no. A Southern goodbye is an event—a full production with acts, intermissions, and bonus scenes.

For those of y’all who aren’t familiar, it usually goes something like this:

1. The Initial Announcement:
“Alright, we’ve gotta head out.”

2. The Hug Line Forms:
Hug every single person. Sometimes twice. Sometimes thrice if you linger too long.

3. The Living Room Encore:
Someone launches a whole new conversation as if you didn’t just declare your departure.

4. Migration to the Doorway:
Everyone drifts toward the door… but keeps right on talking.

5. Porch Benedictions:
More hugs, blessings, and a heartfelt “Y’all come back now!”

6. The Slow Shuffle to the Car:
Still chatting. Still not leaving.

7. The Final Story:
Standing by the car, someone remembers something “real quick.”

8. The Safety Rituals:
Prayers, reminders to drive safe, and promises to text when you get home.

9. The Almost Goodbye:
You finally get in the car—only for someone to lean in the window with, “Oh wait, I forgot to tell you…”

10. The Bonus Hug:
One last squeeze through the window right before the car pulls off.

And that, my friends, is why a simple “goodbye” in the South takes no less than 45 minutes.

I went through several Southern goodbyes over Thanksgiving weekend. And while I’m sure the whole ritual drives some folks up the wall, it leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy every single time.

Because truth be told, a Southern goodbye isn’t about dragging things out.

It’s about holding on—just a little bit longer—to the people we love.