10 Things You Must Know About Dating Someone From Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Published August 04, 2015
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Dating is a lot different than it was a few decades ago. The social media is alive and well, but there are some aspects of taking someone from Kentucky out on a date that never change. Male or female, most of Kentuckians have their own code of ethics and standards. Everyone is different and the date will either be up to par, or it will not.
Here are 10 things you should know about dating someone from Kentucky:
Over the decades, Kentuckians have been called a variety of unflattering names, like bumpkin, hayseed, and hic. This has led other states to view us as third rate people at times, expecting illiterate individuals in overalls with straw hats. The ignorant and illiterate persona could not be further from the truth, even for those in overalls with straw hats.
Kentuckians speak a variation of English known as Hillbilly. There are different dialects of Hillbilly, depending on where you were born. If your date says something that doesn’t make sense, in most cases if you ask politely, they will explain it.
Tattoos have became a little trendy, but many people still get skin art in honor of a loved one, a memory, or just something special. A tattoo on the lower back in Kentucky does not signify "easy pickings". It simply means that is where someone wanted a tattoo. The pain endured during said tattoo depends on the size and locale. If she has a large lower back tattoo curling slightly around her sides, or up the ribs, don’t view her as "prey"… Likely the tables would get turned.
Many times parents have a dusty looking gun case with a shotgun, or other guns hanging up over a mantle. It might not look like it has been touched for decades. Don’t be fooled. It looks dusty, not because it doesn’t work, but because no one has been foolish enough to cause the parents to use it again.
A reasonably sized portion of the population is now vegan or vegetarian, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Do not confuse the two Vs when on a date. Why? Vegetarians will consume animal products, like butter, milk, and cheese, and occasionally consume fish. A Vegan does not eat or drink any type of animal product, living on vegetation and fake animal products, like tofu turkey, cheese, etc. etc.
Traditional things still matter to a lot of people in the Bluegrass. Things like taking someone out to dinner and following it up with a movie. Dates like that will make any family elder over the age of 55 smile, even if it's from the heavens.
Contrary to popular belief, we do not ALL like bourbon. Plenty of locals cannot stomach bourbon, and prefer wine, beer, or cocktails. It may be surprising to some out-of-staters but… there are Kentuckians that don't drink at all, and prefer something healthier, like lemon water.
There are exceptions, but in most cases Kentucky parents are like a momma bear. If you mess with those cubs, she will get you. Both mothers and fathers will be watching how you treat their babies, even if those babies are 20+ years old. We are primarily not psychotic, but we are a very family oriented people.
The world is full of timid creatures. There are those who fear they will break a nail if they exert any effort… at anything. We are not timid creatures, male nor female. It's only human to experience an occasional twinge of fear, but natural born or adopted, Kentuckians do not scare easily.
Our people are just as beautiful as the land itself, inside and out. Kentuckians are friendly and good hearted, though there are always a few exceptions. This list is just a beginning of what one might notice if dating someone from the Bluegrass. Please feel free to comment other things you noticed about Kentucky folk over the years.
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