12 Reasons You Should Date Someone From Tennessee

Do y’all really need to be convinced that a Tennessean’s accent is beyond adorable? Even non-native Tennesseans eventually pick one up after living in Tennessee for a while. The accent isn’t the only thing that gets your belly twisted into butterflies. The entire Tennessee dialect is like a strong pick-me-up for a bad day. If you’ve ever spoken to someone with an accent, there’s a good chance your cheeks turned red because it’s easy to blush from the out-of-control cuteness!

In many parts of the country, manners are more of a suggestion than a requirement. But Tennesseans are strict with manners, which means you’ll be with someone who is always polite, respects others, and will refrain from saying hurtful things by masking them in euphemisms. (If they say “bless your heart,” they’re actually insulting you.) Bottom line—even arguments you might have with your Southern significant other will be softer than any disagreement you’d have with someone from another state.

Tennesseans are all about getting their hands dirty and getting the job done. Whether it’s working on a farm, doing construction work, grinding away at a 9–5 job or serving drinks at a bar, Tennesseans value hard work. What this means is that your partner will rarely let you down when it comes to finishing projects, following through on promises and bringing home a decent paycheck for all those date nights.

Tennesseans are all about the alcohol. With several distilleries and whiskey bars around town, it’s hard not to wet your whistle from time to time. Whether you prefer craft beer or fruity cocktails, a Tennessean won’t judge you for downing a drink or two. Or five. In fact, they might even challenge you to a drink-off. Just have a bucket nearby for any potential upchucking that might occur.

From the farm to the family room, Tennesseans cherish their furry friends. Horses, cows, goats, dogs, cats, etc.—animals are a huge part of life for Tennesseans. However, some animals end up on the dinner table because hunting is a favorite pastime in Tennessee. Nonetheless, if you date a Tennessean, and you’ve got four-legged babies, they will welcome your animals with open arms.

Southern-cooked meals are undoubtedly delicious. That’s because many Tennesseans are brought up in homes where cooking is an everyday part of life. Classic dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, and biscuits are Tennessee staples that many are taught to make using family recipes that are passed down. If you date someone from Tennessee, your belly won’t ever be empty, and your taste buds will always be pleased.

Tennessee is about way more than tasty food and great music. The outdoors scene is also thriving. Tennesseans enjoy many activities, including hiking, swimming, cycling, fishing, paddleboarding, and more. You won’t have to worry about being bored with a Tennessean because their sense of adventure means they are always up for trying new things.

Looks aren’t everything. However, it’s important to be with someone who values their appearance. Overall, it can affect the way they feel about themselves, and nobody wants to date a Debbie Downer. In Tennessee, the women love dressing in the latest trends, styling their hair with hot curlers and putting their best smile forward. Men take the time to groom themselves as well, spending just as much time prepping for a night out as women do.

How could anyone live in Tennessee and not love to eat? With the number of barbecue restaurants, breakfast joints, and late-night eateries, Tennesseans are ready for chowing down any time of day. The only downside is that this might put a dent in your bank account. But after tasting the Tennessee food on your tongue, you’ll realize it’s worth every penny.

Considering there is a church on almost every corner in Tennessee, it’s no wonder that Tennesseans are very spiritual people. Their faith plays a pinnacle role in their lives and motivates them to be good people—this could be where all that Southern hospitality comes from. Tennesseans are by no means perfect, but they are big on forgiveness and showing compassion. Sure, there are some who lie, cheat and steal, but most Tennesseans value honesty, integrity, and loyalty.

With cities like Nashville and Memphis, which are two major music hubs in the U.S., Tennessee is full of musically talented people, which means that you’ll probably date someone who can sing love songs to you or write you a special fiddle tune. If you’re also musically inclined, the two of you can write a sweet duet together, or form a band. Just make sure that if things ever go south (no pun intended), you can still work together as bandmates, even if you aren’t dating anymore.

College football is huge in Tennessee. People go all out with their team spirit, often planning tailgate parties and other events in celebration of game days. Tennesseans are loyal sports fans who are happy to watch games, whether in a sports bar or on a football field. You’ll be sure to score a touchdown with your date by taking them to watch the Titans or the Tennessee Volunteers and cheer them on in your best team jersey.