Whether you spent your childhood along the North Shore or in the Twin Cities, most people who grew up in Minnesota share a few distinct traits. If you identify with these 13 traits, chances are you grew up in Minnesota. Which ones can you relate to?
1. You know your way around a hotdish.
Most Minnesotans grew up eating hotdish at just about every potluck we've ever been to. And when we grow up, many of us carry on the tradition with our own recipes. If you grew in Minnesota, you definitely know your way around a hotdish.
2. You play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck.
If saying "Goose" just makes no sense to you, you probably grew up in Minnesota. It's the only state in the nation that grew up on the Gray Duck variant.
3. You know the proper way to say goodbye.
Are you really leaving if you haven't spent 30 minutes saying goodbye? There's always just one more conversation to squeeze in , and before you know it, you're the last one to leave. That's the Minnesota goodbye.
4. You have a deep appreciation for Prince.
If there's one thing Minnesotans appreciate, it's the celebrities who stuck around despite their fame. That's why Prince is so beloved by people in this state. If you grew up in Minnesota, you likely grew up with a love of the Purple One - and were likely devastated by his death.
5. You would never dream about eating the last piece of anything.
It's much more polite to infinitely cut things in half until they're mere crumbs. Native-born Minnesotans grew up with this mentality, so it's sometimes hard not to give the side-eye to someone who doesn't know the rules.
6. You've been sent to school like this:
Anyone who spent their childhood in Minnesota is all too familiar with being bundled up to the point of not being able to move. Often in spite of our protests, our parents wanted us to be extra warm.
7. Weather isn't just small talk for you.
Speaking of cold, it's not just something you talk about when the conversation lulls. Minnesotans can have long conversations about the weather no matter the time of year. In the winter, you'll hear grumblings about a long commute after a snowstorm. In the summer, nothing but excitement about going outside.
8. People comment on your accent when you travel.
Most of us don't really say "Uff da" or "You betcha," but plenty of us do have an accent. Those elongated vowels really stick out when we travel.
9. You stick by Minnesota teams no matter what.
These days, Minnesota is not exactly known for its winning teams. But Minnesotans are loyal. We stick by our teams no matter what. Sooner or later, they've got to win, right?
10. You can think of no better way to end the summer than the Minnesota State Fair.
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is the perfect way to make your summer complete. At the largest state fair in the country, it's a week of entertainment, people watching, and as much food as you can eat. If you grew up in Minnesota, you probably don't like to miss it.
11. You have a favorite lake.
With over 10,000 lakes, Minnesotans are no stranger to sitting by the lakeshore. In fact, it's one of our greatest pastimes. Scope out just about any lake on a summer day, and you'll find at least one person enjoying it.
12. You know how to drive in snow.
tux0racer/Flickr
You can't get by in Minnesota without being well-practiced in the art of snow driving. The key is to leave lots of room, make sure you have good tires, and leave yourself plenty of time. Sure, some of us forget that when the first snow of the year falls. But we usually pick it up again pretty quickly.
13. You make the most of the sunshine.
Minnesota really shines when the weather is warm. At the first hint of spring, people flood the streets to soak in the sun. It's one of the best, most hopeful times of year in Minnesota. People who grew up here know how to make the most of every sunny day, and it makes our lives so much better.
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