If you live in any of the Southern States, chances are y’all will hear this phrase used every single day. The phrase is used by Southerners of all ages and gender. It’s considered the Gold Standard of social commentary and may be customized in many ways.
One may say: ‘Bless her, his, their and your” hearts. Regardless, this pie chart identifies some of the thinking ones uses when launching this phrase, and their underlying motivation for using it. You may say anything at all that comes to your mind like: “that’s the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen” or “that house is painted the worst color, ever.”
So long as you quickly add the “Bless” word, everything is beautiful, and no one will take offense. I was once at a funeral service of a friend. I was sitting in a pew next to the owner of the funeral home and a friend of hers. I knew both ladies very well, both socially and from Church.
As the service was beginning, one of the daughters of my now deceased friend walked up the aisle. She paused for a few moments at the pew we were occupying. My two lady friends nodded politely to the daughter, and she proceeded up the aisle.
She wasn’t 5 feet up the aisle when the owner of the funeral home started in with her own observations and commentary on my friend’s daughter. First was the dress: “how could she show up here dressed like that.” Then, “will you look at her hair?” “What was she thinking?” “I’d be mortified to look like that.”
This went on for a few minutes; then, the owner of the funeral parlor said in a pretty loud voice: “Isn’t it nice she’s here; her daddy would be so proud, Bless Her Heart.” That immediately made every preceding comment irrelevant, and all was well.
I love living and learning here in the South.
Are we there yet? 