1. You’ve Survived the “Minnesota Nice” Paradox
You’ve learned the art of being both incredibly polite and secretly passive-aggressive, all while maintaining the illusion of kindness. It’s a subtle dance of offering help with a smile while silently judging your neighbor’s snow shoveling technique.
2. You’ve Seen the Lake Winona Ice Palace (and Other Temporary Structures) Emerge Every Winter
When the temperature drops and the snow piles up, you know the ice sculptures, snow tunnels, and igloos will appear in full force. Winter is an art form here, and you’ve witnessed it firsthand, marveling at what a little cold weather can inspire.
3. You’ve Played “Tic-Tac-Toe” with Your Car Windows in the Winter
Who needs to scrape your windshield when you can just trace a quick X or O in the frost with your finger? Forget the ice scraper—this is a true Minnesotan ritual that only works because you’ve mastered the art of “scraping your windshield” with your elbow.
4. You’ve Complained About the “Cold” When It’s 40°F
Anything below 50°F is automatically considered frigid. You’ve walked around in a winter jacket on a “balmy” spring or fall day, relishing every moment before the next frost sets in. In Minnesota, anything above freezing is practically a heatwave!
5. You’ve Attempted to Drive on Icy Roads with the “Minnesota Slide”
You know exactly how to handle an icy stretch of road. The calm confidence when your car starts sliding, and your hands instinctively grip the wheel in the “Minnesota Slide”—a state of being that tells everyone around you, “Yes, I’ve been here before.”
6. You’ve Had a Conversation About Weather for Over 10 Minutes (and It Wasn’t About Storms)
In Minnesota, weather isn’t just a conversation starter, it’s the topic. You can talk about snow depth, humidity, and wind chill in agonizing detail, and everyone will nod in agreement like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
7. You’ve Become an Expert in “Walleye Fishing” Lingo
You know what a “slip bobber” is, how to talk about your “limit,” and when someone asks you to “catch a big one,” you know exactly what they mean. The walleye fishing culture runs deep, and you’ve likely spent a weekend or two chasing the elusive catch.
8. You’ve Known the True Meaning of “Hotdish”
It doesn’t matter what you call it, whether it’s a casserole or “hotdish,” you know how to prepare or enjoy a proper one. From funeral casseroles to the church potluck variety, hotdish is a Minnesota staple you’ve either made or devoured many times.
9. You’ve Used Your Garage as the “Winter Clothes Closet”
In Minnesota, it’s not just a place to park your car. It doubles as the main storage spot for all your winter gear—snow boots, parkas, mittens, and the random sled that no one ever uses but is essential to have just in case.
10. You’ve Experienced the Minnesota Goodbye
The never-ending departure ritual. You say goodbye, start walking away, only to find yourself standing there for another 20 minutes talking about everything and nothing. You might be leaving, but you’re still there, because the Minnesota Goodbye knows no time limits.
If any of these experiences sound familiar, congratulations—you’ve officially lived in Minnesota for far too long! And, in true Minnesotan fashion, you wouldn’t have it any other way.
SOURCE
[1] https://wheninyourstate.com/minnesota/if-youve-experienced-these-10-things-youve-lived-in-minnesota-for-far-too-long/
[2] https://www.mayflower.com/moving-tips/blog/moving-to-minnesota
[3] https://www.mnrealtor.com/blogs/mnr-news1/2023/08/25/top-10-reasons-people-love-living-in-minnesota
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/193cn9l/what_is_it_like_living_in_minnesota/
[5] https://crimereads.com/the-eeriness-of-minnesota-nice/
