Being raised in Montana is an experience you can’t fully understand unless you’ve lived here. And whether you stick around or you leave to Treasure State to live somewhere else, there are certain tendencies that never leave you.

Your Montana side effects will depend on what part of the state you call home, but if you grew up here, you can probably relate to at least a few of these.

1. You automatically wave hello to other drivers, pedestrians, and basically anyone who looks nice.
eric robinson / Flickr
Greeting strangers is the norm in Montana, but it's definitely not that way everywhere.
2. You automatically brace yourself when you mention where you're from.
Nikky / Flickr
How is it that so many people don't think we have access to the internet? Or assume that we still ride horses? Or can't locate Montana on a map?
3. You always measure distance in minutes.
Jasperdo / Flickr
When it comes to driving, Montana miles are simply not the same as, say, L.A. miles. Therefore, we use minutes.
4. No matter where you are in the world, if you have some juicy gossip to spill, you double check your surroundings to make sure you don't end up feeling like an ass.
Robber Esq / Flickr
Montana is basically one big small town. And the last thing you want is someone you know listening in on your private business (especially if it's about them!). That habit always stays with you.
5. You always scan the road for deer (and other wildlife) when you drive, even if you're in a place where you shouldn't have to worry about it.
Counselman Collection / Flickr
You never know!

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6. You speed a little.
Justin Kiner / Flickr
We can't help it. It's in our blood.
7. You hate crowds.
Eric Sonstroem / Flickr
This looks like your nightmare.
8. You're pretty much always ready for snow.
Eric Moreno / Flickr
Snow in May? June? No worries, you're prepared.
9. Automatically giving someone the side-eye when you hear they're from California.
Scott Pham / Flickr
It's nothing personal. You can't help it. It's just habit!
10. Even if it's been a decade or two since you've had a 406 area code, you refer to Montana as "home" and you defend her at all costs.
Bill Gracey / Flickr
Once a Montanan, always a Montanan.

Living in Montana changes you, but that’s not a bad thing. Here are a few ways living in the Treasure State ruins you for life.

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