One of the many great things about living in the U.S. is the melting pot of culture you find, from every corner of the country and everything in between. The South in particular will always have a warm place in many people’s hearts, and for those who lived, visited or had a grandmother or carefree aunt from there, chances are it has a memorable place in yours. If you know, you know. Here are 11 signs you grew up in a Southern home.

1. Publix Was Everything

Two words: pub-subs. For those who have never been to Publix, at a high level, it’s a grocery store. For those who know, it’s much, much more than that. Publix subs, specifically the ones with chicken tenders, are elite in the sandwich universe. Those, paired with the free cookies from the bakery and the unparalleled customer service consisting of friendly handlers who expertly pack your groceries and offer to take them to your car, make this place truly magical.

2. Y’all Is Your Favorite Contraction

“Y’all” isn’t just a contraction of “you all;” it’s a way of life. You’ve effortlessly woven it into your vocabulary, and it rolls off your tongue like sweet molasses. You say it with a drawl that could make a snail’s pace seem fast, and you’re convinced there’s no more efficient way to address a group of people.

3. You Know NEVER To Touch the Decorative Towels

In a Southern home’s restroom, after washing your hands, you’re often faced with two types of towels. There’s the bath towels, which you use to dry your hands of course, and then there’s the decorative towels. It is very important that you do not, under any circumstances, even think about touching the latter. They serve absolutely zero purpose except to be admired—from afar, mind you. You’ll be able to spot them by their delicate designs or stitching of flowers, patterns or animals. It doesn’t make any sense, but you don’t question it. That’s just the way it is.

4. You Only Know One Kind of Tea

There is only one kind of tea, and that is sweet tea. This delicious nectar of the heavens flows more freely than gossip at the local salon parlor. The sound of ice cubes clinking in mason jars is music to your ears, and you’re convinced that your tea recipe is more closely guarded than the Colonel’s secret herbs and spices.

5. There’s a Wall of Family Fame

As you stroll through the house, it’s almost like you’re in a family museum. Every wall is covered with so many family photos that you’ve accepted it as wallpaper. You’ve got more frames than a Hollywood movie set, every cousin, aunt, and uncle is a bona fide celebrity, and it’s a masterpiece curation of your grade school awkward phases that haunt your adult life every time you visit.

6. You’re Always Fixin’ to Do Everything

This is a versatile term that means you’re preparing to tackle a task, but it doesn’t imply any sense of urgency. You’re never in a rush—oh no. You’re just calmly getting ready. It’s the Southern way of acknowledging that life should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

7. You Have an Undying Love for Grits

Grits are a Southern breakfast staple, and while anywhere else might see them as a strange, chunky heap of mush, your love for them knows no bounds. Whether they’re served plain with butter or topped with shrimp and cheese, grits are the ultimate comfort food.

8. “Bless Your Heart” Is One Spicy Insult

When you overheard adults respond with “Oh honey. Bless your heart,” it may have sounded sympathetic and sweet, but you knew behind the empathetic tone, the meaning was dripping with sarcasm. You may not claim the phrase in conversation, but you’ve mastered the art of using it with finesse should the occasion ever spring up.

9. Hugs are the Preferred Method of Greeting

In the South, hospitality isn’t just about manners; it’s about warmth and genuine care. You’re a hugger, and you believe that a good, heartfelt hug can brighten anyone’s day. Whether it’s a warm embrace for a friend or a reassuring hug for a stranger, you’re always ready to spread the love.

10. You Recognize the Art of Storytelling

Storytelling isn’t just a pastime; it’s an Olympic sport. You’ve grown up listening to colorful tales of family history, local legends, and unforgettable adventures. You’ve learned that a good story should be shared, embellished with humor and vivid details, and passed down through generations.

11. The Yard Is BBQ Central

Your front yard isn’t just for mowing; it’s for slow-cooking barbecue masterpieces that would make any pitmaster proud. It’s where all your family, friends, aunts, uncles and cousins—both blood-related and honorary—gathered for good times. You can almost smell the savory smoked meats wafting through the neighborhood, drawing folks in like a tractor beam.