Nothing is worse than putting yourself in awkward situations. We Missourians make it easy to cause an uncomfortable encounter with our two biggest cities sitting at opposite sides of the state. These are 11 awkward moments that can happen to anyone from the Show Me State.
1. Having to explain that Kansas City is in Missouri.
Unless you live in Kansas or Missouri, you likely think that Kansas City is in Kansas. While there is a Kansas City, Kansas the vast majority of the city sits on the Missouri side, including the Royals and the Chiefs.
2. Admitting you've never been in the arch.
For some of us, the Arch has never seemed like a big deal. Maybe it was something you saw regularly and you just never went up in. For others you may live hours away. When someone who lives outside of Missouri finds out that a native hasn't been to the top, there are always a lot of questions.
3. Asking where the Bread Co. is to a Panera person.
While there are few remaining St. Louis Bread Companies left, those who grew up going to Bread Co. can't give up the name. Panera just doesn't have the same ring! Try convincing your Panera friend that it was Bread Co. first!
4. Explaining to people in other states that you don't live on a farm.
Any time you leave the Midwest and you tell someone you're from Missouri, they will assume you live on a farm. As mentioned earlier, many non-Missourians think Kansas City, Missouri's largest city, is in Kansas!
5. Being a little overwhelmed in big city metro systems.
Missourians aren't used to huge metro systems and it's never fun to have to ask for directions. Huge systems where you need to get off and transfer might take some of us a little more time to master.
6. Finding out your friend likes the "other" team.
Missourians are very loyal to their baseball teams. Depending on which side of the state you were born on, you will either love the Cardinals or the Royals. The first time you find out one of your friends likes a different team than yours...well things usually get a bit awkward.
7. Asking for a Bud Select out of state.
Missouri is home to Anheuser-Busch and that is something we are all pretty proud of. However, it always comes as a shock when you order your go to AB product only to find out it's not carried in that state!
8. Finding yourself unprepared for the weather.
Missouri weather is notoriously erratic. In one week we can have 70 degree heat, dangerous thunderstorms, and snow. It's not uncommon to find yourself embarrassingly unprepared for the changing forecast.
9. Confusing out of towners by telling them to take Highway 40.
Before Interstate 64 connected to St. Louis, locals called the stretch of road Highway 40. Many St. Louisians still refer to I-64 as Highway 40. In fact, on the local news they will typically report the stretch of road as 64/40.
10. Telling someone you're going out to Big 12.
The Mizzou bar formally known as Campus Bar and Grill was originally named Big 12. Unfortunately, after the Big 12 collegiate sports conference threatened to sue, they had to change the name. Mizzou is now in the SEC but alumni, students and locals continue to call it Big 12. It can get pretty confusing, especially to someone new to Columbia.
11. Asking or being asked "What high school did you go to?" when you're not from St. Louis.
Every St. Louisian's first question to a stranger is, "What high school did you go to?" This simple question can tell locals a lot about one another. Ask this same question to a Kansas City native and you will likely get some strange looks and a hesitant answer.
Have you ever experienced any of these awkward moments? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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