>>>I was in the Southest US this past summer, it was wonderful feeling simply talking to fellow shoppers and shop assistants in the same accent. That welcoming friendliness of being home perhaps. I don't get same in like environment in UK. I get shoppers knocking me aside, trodding on my feet and running into my shins with push chairs and snarly unhelpful shop assistants.<<<

I have to agree VT. The politeness is a major perk of everyday life in the south. I grew up in Newfoundland where friendliness is considered more of a virtue than pro forma politeness. I lived in Ontario for ten years where politeness is the rule to the point when I have frequently seen one stranger demand it of another. The South, at least the half dozen states where I have lived and worked, generally combines friendliness with an easy going politeness. It makes chores and errands outside the house a lot more tolerable.