"I have to admit that, as a Southerner, I like those things too. I would also add that I admire and enjoy (at times) the Northern emphasis on speed and efficiency."
When travelling in the south I have found that some southerners are sometimes put off by my (Yankee) directness and businesslike way of conversing. I'm always quick with a genuine smile and it seems to smooth things out a bit. I've been all over Asia and I have to watch myself there too....
;)
It's interesting you should say that. There are a number of sociologists who have commented on the similarity between Asian (and more specifically Confucian) cultures and Southern culture.