There’s just something different about growing up in the heart of America. It’s a culture forged by lake-effect snow, potlucks, and an unwavering commitment to being "Midwest nice." You might not notice it while you’re in it, but the moment you leave, you realize there are a few tell-tale signs that give you away. So, grab a glass of pop and see how many of these sound like home.

1. Your Vocabulary is Full of "Ope!" and "Uff Da." You don’t even think about it. You bump into someone in the grocery store aisle and a quiet "ope!" slips out. You see something surprising, and "uff da" is your go-to phrase. They're just part of the local dialect, like saying "I'm not from here" when you're 50 miles away from your house.

2. You Know the Difference Between "Hot Dish" and a Casserole. A casserole is a fancy dish with a lot of ingredients. A hot dish is an art form. It's usually a single-pan meal, heavy on the cream of mushroom soup, and always served at a potluck. Bonus points if it’s topped with Tater Tots.

3. You Understand that "The Cities" and "Up North" are Proper Nouns. You never have to specify which city or which part of the state. Everyone just knows. "We're heading up to The Cities this weekend," or "We're going Up North for the summer." It's an unspoken agreement that you'll all be on the same page.

4. You Measure Distance in Time, Not Miles. "Oh, it’s about a 20-minute drive." This is the only acceptable way to answer a question about distance. It doesn't matter how many miles it is, the only thing that matters is how long you'll be in the car.

5. You Refer to the Faucet as a "Drinking Fountain." You go to another state, ask where the drinking fountain is, and get a blank stare. It’s a small detail, but a crucial one. A fountain is outside. A drinking fountain is where you get a drink of water.

6. Your Love for a Specific Regional Grocery Store is Fierce. Whether it’s Hy-Vee, Meijer, or something in between, you are fiercely loyal to your local grocery chain. It’s not just a store; it’s a lifestyle. You know every aisle, every shortcut, and you'll defend it against all others.

7. The "Minnesota Goodbye" Is Your Standard Practice. You say you're going to leave, and then it takes another 45 minutes to actually get out the door. There's a conversation in the hallway, another one on the porch, and a final farewell in the driveway. It's a commitment to being "Midwest nice."

8. You Know Cardinal Directions. All of Them. You don’t need to use streets. You can just say, "It’s about three blocks north of the gas station, then head east." Your internal compass is always running, and you're always ready to give detailed, direction-based instructions.

9. Your Wardrobe Has a Seasonal Calendar. You know that the cold weather isn't just about winter. You have a "fall coat," a "winter coat," a "spring coat," and you always keep a sweatshirt or flannel nearby, just in case.

10. "Pop" is a Thing, and So is Saying "You Betcha." You know that "soda" is what they say on the coasts, and you've had a debate or two about it. You've also used "you betcha" as a sincere, friendly way to agree to something, and you mean it.

Conclusion:

Whether you love these quirks or laugh at them, they're what makes the Midwest feel like home. These small, shared experiences are what connect us all. What are some of your favorite signs? Let us know in the comments!