I moved from Mississippi to Massachusetts on September 7, 2025. Eager to finally embark on a new journey, I did not know how much of a cultural shock I would experience. Below are three of the first differences I have noticed within nearly a month of arriving.
Paper Bags
In Mississippi, going shopping means carrying our purchases in plastic bags that rustle in the wind. In Massachusetts, it is quite the contrary. Most of your purchases will be placed in a brown paper bag, which makes carrying all of your bags in at once a bit more challenging. Unfortunately, yes, that means you will more than likely make multiple trips to your vehicle. The end of my “carry it all at once” era has come to a close. It was great while it lasted.
No Speaking. No Smiling
As a lifelong Mississippian, locking eyes with someone typically means speaking, smiling or doing the head nod of recognition. Well, migrating to Massachusetts has shown me that unsolicited smiles and greetings are not as common. I am positive I have scared some people by saying “hello” or smiling at them. However, no harm is meant by this. It is simply a different environment.
No Sugar-coating
I will be honest, this has been one of the most difficult adjustments. In the south, we tend to make things sound a bit softer on the ear; whereas in Massachusetts, they are far more direct. Coming from a southern state, I quickly had to learn that their succinct manner of communication isn’t personal or disrespectful. Rather, they tend to get straight to the point and would prefer to not waste time “beating around the bush.
Why Massachusetts?
One of the reasons I chose to attend graduate school in Massachusetts was to gain and embrace a new perspective on life. I am looking forward to embracing it fully and sharing these experiences with the people near and dear to my heart— my fellow Mississippians.
