Awkward moments crop up wherever you live in the country. However, some situations are specific to your location. Here are 11 cringe-inducing incidents that many New Mexicans have suffered through. How many of these weird things about living in New Mexico have you endured?

1. When you have to persuade someone that New Mexico is part of the United States…
Google Maps
…And they catch you rolling your eyes. We’re not the ones failing geography, but still… awkward.

You’ve got to wonder how people are reaching 50 states without including us. Do they split up Alaska or maybe they invent West Montana?
2. When you say you live in New Mexico and people compliment you on your English.
Flickr/hobvias sudoneighm
On the one hand, they’re trying to be nice. On the other hand, REALLY?
3. Accidentally complaining about Texas drivers in front of someone from the Lone Star State.
Flickr/Tim Parkinson
This is an easier faux pas to commit than you might think because quite a few people move here from Texas. While we get that everything’s bigger there, in older parts of New Mexico that were designed with horse-drawn transportation in mind, sometimes space can get tight. And that’s when it’s good to share the road.
4. When you have to decide whether to correct an out-of-stater’s assumption that it’s always hot in New Mexico or let them keep talking.
Flickr/Zach Alexander
We have snow. Sometimes A LOT of it.
5. Your overly excited response to rain, when you visit another state.
Flickr/Richard Elzey
Any moisture’s a cause for celebration in New Mexico but in some places it rains all the time. Even if people look at you weirdly, it’s still good to be grateful for what others consider "the small things."

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6. Having someone try to helpfully correct your spelling of "chile."
Flickr/miheco
We know how to spell chile, thank you very much. The question is, do you?
7. Having to explain that you really can’t hook up a visitor with meth…
Flickr/Irmin Wehmeier
…Because "Breaking Bad" was a fictional television show and not – thankfully – a documentary.
8. That moment when someone tells you they don’t like spicy food and you don’t mask your horror in time.
Flickr/jim swenson
It’s not that we’re judging you, exactly. But we’re thinking you won’t enjoy any potluck or party we ever throw.
9. When you forget you’re traveling and order "Christmas" in a restaurant.
Flickr/Emily Lewis
It’s confusing for the server and embarrassing for you. Especially if it’s the middle of July!
10. Recommending gas station food to someone who doesn’t understand the awesomeness of Allsup’s.
Flickr/teofilo
People think you’re making a joke and then you have to decide if you should just laugh along or explain that you’re craving chimichangas and NEED a pit stop at the gas station.
11. When someone asks to put something in your freezer…
Flickr/David Jackmanson
…And you’re tempted to claim it’s broken because they’re taking up valuable real estate that could be used for chile.

What’s the most embarrassing experience you’ve had as a New Mexican? Let us know on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page. If you related to some of the things on this list, then you’ll probably also agree that these New Mexican stereotypes are true – even if you don’t want to admit it.

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Weird Things About Living In New Mexico

Leah | July 01, 2020

What stereotypes are there about living in New Mexico?

There are plenty of stereotypes about the quirks of New Mexicans, some painfully accurate, and others a bit exaggerated. For example, a lot of people assume New Mexicans love chile, burritos, tacos, and the like - and they'd be absolutely right. While not all people in the Land of Enchantment live in adobe houses, many do. And there really are some old, old churches to be found all over the state. Another stereotype about New Mexico is that people often believe in aliens or that there are a lot of UFO sightings. The town of Roswell would certainly purport that as true!

What is New Mexico known for?

Life in New Mexico is known for many things. The amazing food is one, especially the love of delicious chile. The state is known for its incredible landscapes that are the perfect backdrop for things like the famous Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. It's known for its unique cities like Santa Fe, and also for having many stops along the historic Route 66. While it is known for being a desert state, it actually has diverse natural areas. From arid plains to snowy mountains, plus towering buttes and canyons, there's a bit of everything here - not just desert.

What are the weirdest things about New Mexico?

If you've read about New Mexico stereotypes, you might think the state is pretty weird. There is a lot to love about the Land of Enchantment, but it does have its unusual characteristics. Alien and UFO sighting obsession is one. Not everyone lives in places like Roswell that thrive off of UFO-related tourism, but it's hard to deny that there have been many claims of sightings over the years. Plus, there are interesting actual astronomy-related things in New Mexico, like the Very Large Array in Socorro County, where many ginormous radio telescopes explore the wonders of space.

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