Southern belle

A southern belle is a term used to describe a woman from the southern part of the United States who behaves in a particular way that is considered traditionally feminine, polite, and graceful. Picture a woman wearing a big, frilly dress with lace and bows, a big hat, and holding a parasol.

A southern belle typically has good manners and speaks with a soft, sweet voice. She is kind to everyone, even strangers, and tries to avoid conflict. She is taught to prioritize family and community, to be hospitable, and to take care of others.

Southern belles are often associated with the antebellum South, which was the period before the American Civil War when southern states were known for their agriculture-based economies, plantation owners, and slavery. In movies, they are depicted as wealthy, white women living on grand southern plantations with large families and lots of servants.

However, it is important to remember that southern belles are not just a product of a bygone era. Many women in the South still follow these traditional values and behavior patterns, while others may break away from them entirely. It's not necessarily a bad thing to be a southern belle, but it's also not the only way for a woman to live her life, and there are many different ways to be a strong and successful woman, whether you're from the South or not.