I'm soon to be 34 and have lived in Louisiana and Texas all of my life. I still say yes/no sir/ma'am to all of my elders. The only time I have ever cursed in front of my mom was on 9-11 when the 2nd plane hit. Mother's day is probably the most important day of the year in my family. My great aunts are the greatest cooks ever (outside of my mom, of course). The patriarchs of the family are highly respected, as they are in their 90s now. The quickest way to get whipped from my dad was when I sassed my mom. Getting a spanking at school was the worst because I would get a spanking from my mom when I got home, then one from my dad when he got home because my mom had gotten upset from spanking me. :)
My daughter will be raised to respect her elders, and to appreciate the southern charm.
And those Yankees who don’t get it? ... Well bless their little hearts, they will, but it will be too late by then.