New to Texas? Don't Be Shocked, Just Understand This One Thing

There is an intense rivalry between Texas and California. The rivalry exists in our politics, how each state's economies are run, and even between certain professional sports teams.

It's a bit lighter on the wallet to live in Texas compared to California where you need to be a multi-millionaire to live comfortably. Californians also have a hard time grasping things we consider perfectly normal here. One thing in particular is extremely foreign to a Californian and will be insulted by it, our manners.

Texas Living

Anyone who is native to Texas, like myself, knows there is a certain respect given to others around us. One of those others is law enforcement. We know the extremely difficult job they have keeping us safe every day.

We also have a huge respect for our military and military veterans. We know the difficult job they endure protecting our country and the brothers and sisters they lost doing it. We have a huge respect for our elders. There is knowledge and wisdom they can pass down to us on a daily basis to make us a better person.

What Texas Transplants Need to Learn About Our Manners

When we say "yes ma'am" or "no sir", we are not calling you old, we are simply respectfully replying to you. When we hold a door open for you we don't believe you're incapable of operating a door, we consider it to be polite and helpful.

When we wave at you, that is our "thank you" because we can't say it or in a spot where you won't be able to hear it. A simple wave back is the "you're welcome." That's It.

Our manners are not an insult, they are a symbol of respect for each other in our neck of the woods. Learn it and embrace it, it will make your transition here so much better.