The struggle is real. Living in Dallas – Fort Worth has its challenges, like our weather, for example. It is as unpredictable as a bull ride at a rodeo. There’s also never-ending construction, unmarked lane endings, and the dreaded “rerouting traffic pattern” to contend with. Even choosing where to eat be can be a battle because there is always a new restaurant to try. Here’s 11 struggles we endure every day, but make us Texas-tough:
1. We can blast through four seasons here in a single day.
Extreme temperature drops and going from sunshine and cloudless skies to hail and tornado watches happen all in one day here in Dallas - Fort Worth. Many weather-wise North Texans keep extra clothing in their car trunks in an attempt to outthink Mother Nature.
2. The traffic commute is awful, and we know it won't get better.
Being one of the greatest places to live has its downsides. As more companies move into the Metroplex, job-seekers follow. Traffic is the unfortunate result.
3. We have construction hell EVERYWHERE.
We really can't blame the engineers for attempting to keep up with our growth. But hey, back off on the overnight "change in traffic patterns" or unannounced lane endings, okay?
4. Potholes happen.
We get some pretty wicked rain storms, especially during the spring tornado and rain season. That's when we get wind, hail, rain, and, you guessed it...huge potholes.
5. We don't have an accent. You do.
The way we speak isn't "cute." Our drawls, y'alls, and howdys aren't for publicity. It is just part of our Southern charm.
6. It's tough deciding on which city to go to for a performance.
With so many amazing venues and architectural wonders in both Dallas and Fort Worth, the struggle is real. Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall and Dallas' ATT Performing Arts Center are just two examples. Some shows start at one city and then venture to the other. But it's almost like choosing a side, so the struggle is real!
7. Deciding how much Texas Pride is too much can be stressful.
Yes, we tend to be boastful about living in the absolutely best state and in the best area of it. Sometimes we forget to stay humble about it. We're working on it, but don't hold your breath.
8. Living up to the Texas reputation is also a tough job.
Texas is a state of mind, and locals know that whether they are "cowboy" or not, they have some impressive history and true heroes who founded our cities. It kind of makes us puff up with that inflated Texas pride we were just talking about!
9. Choosing a local college team allegiance is taxing.
With so many great area colleges--Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas, Baylor University, and University of Texas at Arlington to name a few, it's a decision that weighs heavily on us.
10. We'll always have Paris...Paris, Texas, that is!
The Metroplex has so many interesting cities and towns in every direction, it's hard to know where to visit first! There's always something to do, and simply not enough time to do it all. If Paris is too far, you can always venture to Paris, Texas, and take your photo in front of their cowboy-hat version of the Eiffel tower.
11. Filling our time after football season comes to an end.
The area takes its football very seriously, and from August until the end of playoffs, we're committed. A proper Texan just wouldn't expect anything less.
In all seriousness, Dallas – Fort Worth is our home sweet home and we love the area, flaws and all. If you live or have lived in the mighty Metroplex, what do you consider the biggest challenges and how are they overcome?
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