The Mid Western Rules

So last week (I know, I know, it's been a while but I'm editing Secrets of the Hollywood Girls Club) my good friend and AMAZINGLY talented Best-Selling author of I'd Tell You That I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You, Ally Carter came to Los Angeles. Now I have a special soft spot in my heart for Ally (one being that she writes AMAZING books...you MUST read Love You Kill You) but another one of the many reasons is that Ally is Mid Western! Kansas to be exact (you can't get more middle of the country than that). And as many of you know I am Mid Western; born in Illinois, graduated University of Kansas and law school in Chicago. After years of living in other regions I now realize that no matter how long you live on the East or West Coast you just never loose that Mid Western vibe. And it's a good vibe, a great vibe. There are certain 'rules' for ladies when you've grown up in the Mid West let me share a few. You must help when there is work to be done. Now this applies on the job but this rule is especially applicable when visiting friends (or family) for dinner. As a guest you MUST be the first one up and clearing the table. You always call anyone Mr. or Mrs. when you first speak to them (I have a great Hollywood story involving Cameron Diaz on this one). You must brag about how little money you spent on yourself. Frivolity is frowned upon. You give up your seat to strangers that are older, pregnant, or just look like they need it more than you. You offer to help people with doors, bags, or any other object creating difficulty for them. Do you drink Soda or Pop? Do you carry your groceries in a sack or a bag? Now I realize that some of these rules just seem to be about courtesy and respect and I am NOT implying that those of you reading this from other regions aren't polite. I can only write about that of which I know...and when Ally was here for dinner, it struck me as she buttered the garlic bread, helped me take care of my two girls, cleared the plates and put away the left-overs that these were all things I did and my bestest girlfriends do and I immediatley went back to my biggest fan, my Mom. These were all things that she did for her friends...So maybe it's not Mid Western maybe it's female or maybe it's just having a great Mom.
xoMaggie