I'm just a simple guy, really

Jason and I often discuss the differences between growing up in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago (the "big city") and Eastgate, on the very outer edge of Cincinnati ("down South" to some, or something like that). Basically, I've found that I'm very much from Southern Ohio, and, barring a strong religious background, pretty much embody the values and ethics of the Midwestern belt. What do I mean by that?

Here's one way to put it. Everybody here, including my roomate, insists that I have great manners, a kind attitude, and a chivalrous way about things. Sarah, a girl I met at BGR (from Houston, Texas, mind you) insists that if I'm pretty much what she knows as a "Southern Gentleman," despite my notable and significant handicap of being a Yankee. *shrug*

What can I say? I was raised a certain way by my mother and father with a certain set of values and morals. Behaviors and manners. Open and hold the door for anybody, not just women. Please and thank you. Bless yous. It's automatic to me, but apparently it marks me as quite a "gentleman" or "sweet guy." It's suprising to me what people consider to be exceptionally mannerful, etc. (especially when that's my default behavior).

Yes, it's also really confusing how many women say all they want is a "nice guy." Ladies: *spreads his arms and flashes his best grin* Here I am.

Another marked difference...I usually answer questions about my behavior simply by telling them I'm a "simple guy." Well, Jason called me on it the other night and finally made me define it. What does it mean, exactly? It's difficult to explain. It's the fact that I'm the only person I know here without a cellphone, and I'm doing just fine. It's the fact that this is the first time I've had cable TV and a television in my bedroom. It's the fact that I've never left the country. It's paying for college on student loans in my name. It's knowing how to do laundry and balance a checkbook before I was old enough to drive. I've never been to an amusement park (despite living 20 minutes from Paramount King's Island). It's having a close family and a set of morals to follow. But more importantly, it's the fact that I would honestly rather spend an evening reading a book or watching a movie than going to a nightclub or a Frat party. It's knowing I worked harder and want this more than anybody here I know...