We’ve all had moments like these. They’re uncomfortable, and you wish you could avoid them, but unfortunately, there are some awkward moments Illinoisans have to endure.

Keep reading to see how many of these unpleasant situations apply to you.

1. When people pronounce the silent letter at the end of our state's name.
Wikimedia Commons/Absecon 49
Stop pronouncing the "s." Illinois is derived from a Native America term meaning "best people," so we know what we're talking about.
2. When someone asks for the distance in miles.
Flickr/Ken Lund
True Illinoisans can't tell you how far away something is in miles, but we can tell you how long it will take to get there. That's what you really want to know, right?
3. When you order "pop" at an out-of-state restaurant.
Pixabay/Mitaukno
People from the east coast, California, and the Deep South likely won't know what "pop" means. I mean, we'll call it a "coke" if need be, but it doesn't make any sense.
4. When you say you're from Illinois, and someone asks if you live in Chicago.
Wikipedia/Rcsprinter123
Then they'll likely ask how far your hometown is from Chicago. Not all of Illinois is Chicago - in fact, most of it is not, and some of the best parts of the state are as far from the city as you can get.

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5. When you slip on ice.
Flickr/Ryan Stanton
Whenever it snows, we secretly pray it will be enough to keep us from having to go to work or school the next day, because we know the ice and salt crews won't be out early enough to clear paths in time.
6. When you wear too many layers.
Pixabay/Immersion
In just one day, the temperature can span 20 degrees, rain, and shine. Illinoisans often find themselves overdressed at times to avoid being under prepared later.
7. When asked if you live on a farm.
Wikimedia Commons/Dori
Some out-of-staters think everyone from Illinois grew up on a farm, and this can be really awkward. We may know someone or live next door to someone with a farm, but that doesn't mean we live on one.
8. When people assume Illinois is flat.
Wikimedia Commons/Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
So often we have to correct people that Illinois is actually full of caves, bluffs, valleys, and waterfalls. The glaciers did not flatten the entirety of the state's land before melting away.
9. When people say we need to see the ocean.
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
There isn't much going on at the ocean that we can't get at Lake Michigan. The water stretches as far as the eye can see and comes ashore in foamy waves.

If you want more fun posts about our great state, check out 10 Abraham Lincoln attractions in Illinois.

What other awkward moments do you endure as a citizen of Illinois? Share your experiences with us below!

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