Just Tell it Like It Is

I remember when I first told my sister Tonya that I was moving to New Jersey. Her reaction was: "Jersey? But that's nothing but a bunch of assholes!"

And yes, that may be a common impression that most people have about Jersey folk. I must say, I've noticed it myself since I've been up here - people are a lot more straight and to-the-point, and yes, to a Southern girl, it can come across as kind of pushy and rude. The thing is, it's not that all people up here are mean-spirited. I think it's just the way the culture is up here around the New York City area.

People up here - if they don't like something, they tell you. Growing up in Georgia, it seemed like everyone tried to save face - if they didn't like you, they would either keep it to themselves or go talk about you behind your back. I'm sure people do that up here, too - but it seems like Jersey people are way more likely to be up front and confrontational with you.

In some ways, I like this, because it allows everyone to get straight to the point and get down to business (especially in the workplace). I don't think they mean it as a personal attack, they are just voicing their disagreement. I think Southerners are a lot less likely to confront others about conflicts and personal disagreements. I know I am. I prefer to vent about stuff to my close friends but avoid confrontation at all costs. But maybe that's because I think I've always had an inner desire to be liked by everyone I meet. I can't recall many people who just blatantly hate me. I don't think I have any real enemies. (Or maybe I do, but they are all from Georgia so maybe they just hide it from me and talk crap behind my back...lol)

So will living in Jersey give me thicker skin and make me more confrontational? I'm not sure on that one....I guess we'll see. But deep down I'm always going to be a sweet and reserved Southern girl at heart. ;-)