I was born and raised in the midwest, except for a few years spent in Texas. Recently, after visiting Colorado and being genuinely surprised at how different it was, I was talking with my family about how wonderful it is to be from the midwest. People are genuinely friendly, like you could actually walk into a bar by yourself, sit down at a table and leave with new friends. It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that it’s different in other places.
While Southern Hospitality is great and all, I think the Midwest happens to be the friendliest section of the United States. I got to thinking of things that only midwesterners know to be true and I came up with a list that perfectly encompasses the friendly people, big cities and wide open spaces.
1. Sports teams are a religion
When I was in Colorado, I ran into a Packer’s fan from Wisconsin and we shared a cheers to Aaron Rodgers. When I’m in Chicago I run into Hawkeye fans and we nod at each other’s black and gold knowingly. Nebraska, home of the Cornhuskers, has the most intense fan base I’ve ever seen. Sports are a religion in the midwest.
2. Politeness is not dead
Over Winter Break, I got a flat tire in the snow. I had more than one person ask me if I needed help, and one helped me change my tire. He wasn’t scary, he was just trying to lend a hand.
3. Weather is literally insane
In Nebraska it could snow, rain and the temperature can rise and drop 40 degrees in one week. We’re pretty used to crazy weather.
4. People apologize when they’ve done nothing wrong
I can’t tell you how many times when someone cuts someone off on the interstate and both parties give the, “I’m sorry and it’s ok” signature hand wave.
5. For girls, Ugg Boots are a necessity
Yes, we know they’re tacky or whatever but sometimes there’s three feet of snow walking to class and you want your toes to be snuggly.
6. We know the pain of being asked if we have electricity
Yes the midwest is home to farmlands, but it’s also homes to huge cities like Chicago, Indianapolis and the Twin Cities. So, shut up.
7. Nothing beats sipping on a beer in a boat on a lake
It’s the quintessential summer past time for midwesterners. And it’s glorious.
8. State Fairs can actually be fun, and they’re actually news
My boyfriend actually texted me last week telling me the state fair was coming soon. The Iowa State Fair is a huge deal too. And the newspapers actually still cover them, and people still go. It’s adorable and we love it.
9. Potatoes are everything
This needs no explanation.
10. Red meat is also everything, especially when paired with potatoes.
Omaha Steaks is the best, but basically any red meat is a midwesterners life blood.
11. And cheese.
Mostly in the fried variety.
12. Bad weather is nothing to be afraid of
During Tornado season my mother, along with our entire street, sits outside watching the storm clouds roll in. This is a common past time.
13. It’s called pop not soda, or coke.
Sorry world.
Molly is a senior journalism/English major at a school you haven’t heard of in a state you haven’t heard of. She’s obsessed with Chandler Bing, English bulldogs, and cheese. Follow her on twitter @mollymahannah, or check out her website accordingtomolly.com.
[Image via photo.ua/Shutterstock]
