Well, we were not from the hills but we were from small town TN. Keeping things in the family was the norm for us and everyone we knew. One of my uncles was engaged for a few months before my Grandmother learned of it. On the other hand, my sister and her daughters are very much the "loud Americans".

Ted,

I'd tell them the same I tell folks that move to the South and want to change it. You moved here, we like it this way. As for getting "in your face", I enforce the 36 inch rule.

YMOS,
Tony