““Southerners have a sense of perspective, a way of finding the humor in even the most painful of experiences. We know that life is too short to be unhappy. Even when we’re lower than lizard spit (as Florida Grits Sandra Presley often says), we find a smile. The best way to know Southern humor is to hear it. The best way to hear it is to come on down South. But please don’t come empty-handed. Bring a joke; get a joke. You know what I mean, Vern? Southerners have always known that laughter is good for you. We’d been laughing at ourselves for many years before research proved that laughter reduces stress, decreases pain, increases energy, inspires creativity, and helps relationships grow. These benefits boost the immune system and strengthen our hearts and lungs. No wonder Southerners are the happiest people around!””
