West Virginia is subject to some harsh stereotypes, but people who live here will defend it to their death. We take pride in our beautiful state, so here are some things not to do if you don’t want to make us mad.

1. Ask if we live near Virginia Beach.
Google Maps
That's in an entirely different state.
2. Then say there are no beaches in West Virginia.
Flickr/US Corps of Engineers
We may not have an ocean, but we have plenty of beautiful lake beaches!
3. Be on the wrong side of the Slaw Line.
Steven Depolo/Flickr
Of course, which side is the "wrong" side depends which part of the state you are from. The southern part of the state can't live without their slaw, and the northern part thinks it ruins a good hot dog.
4. Say that we're uneducated.
WikiMedia Commons/Swimmerguy269
West Virginia has many fine universities, and plenty of successful and inspirational people were born here.
5. Say that no one needs a gun.
WikiMedia Commons/Tina Shaw, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
For many West Virginians, that gun is what puts dinner on the table.
6. Insult a coal miner.
WikiMedia Commons/Library of Congress
Just about everyone in the state knows someone who made a living from coal. You can question the ethics of some of the executives, but don't knock the hard workers that toil in the mines.
7. Forget our history.
WikiMedia Commons/Alex
West Virginians may be some of the most educated people about their own state history, thanks to the Golden Horseshoe program.

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8. Make redneck jokes.
WikiMedia Commons/Charleston Gazette
Many coal miners wore their red bandanas and the "redneck" label proudly as they fought and died for safe and fair conditions in the mines.
9. Ask if we're married to our cousins.
WikiMedia Commons/Allan Ajifo
Cousin marriage is actually illegal in West Virginia.
10. Ask if we wear shoes.
Wikipedia/Northeastern Nomad
Sure, we love to feel the grass between our toes on a warm summer day, but generally we wear shoes as often as anyone else.
11. Say "Appa-lay-sha."
WikiMedia Commons/Pete unseth
It's pronounced Appa-LATCH-uh.
12. Drive too slowly.
WikiMedia Commons/Famartin
People from flatter states don't know how to get a car up a mountain.
13. Insult the Mountaineers.
WikiMedia Commons/Cmcginni:
West Virginia takes football very seriously.
14. Say there's nothing to do here.
State Fair of West Virginia/Facebook
It seems like there's always a festival going on somewhere, not to mention all our great restaurants, hiking trails, outdoor adventures, and resorts.
15. Say that West Virginia is anything less than Almost Heaven.
ForestWander Nature Photography, www.ForestWander.com
This kind of beauty is why West Virginia will always be home.

Once you’ve lived here, nowhere else feels like home. Here’s a list of 10 ways living in West Virginia ruins you for life.

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