Ah, the Midwest— known for dairy products, corn and Chicago. You can drive for hours in the middle of nowhere without seeing a single Kwik Trip or Speedway, but you will see plenty of cows and corn. Here are the top ten things that make us Midwestern:

#10: “I’m from Chicago”
No you’re not, you’re from Naperville. So for the sake of real Chicagoans, don’t pretend you’re from the big city.

#9: WalMart parking lots
When growing up in a small town, there isn’t much to do. Picking up your friends and sitting in your local supermarket parking lot will be the highlight of your night.

#8: Saying “ope”
Accidentally bumping into someone can be embarrassing enough; however, adding the word “ope” will make everything better.

#7: Midwestern Weather
Weather in the Midwest will have you wearing shorts one day and your heaviest parka the next. Thank you, mother nature.

#6: Tornadoes
I’ll believe it when I see it. It’s more of the time to stand on your porch and storm-watch for a while, so don’t tell me to shelter-in-place.

#5: Is it soda or pop?
Ah, the decades old debate over a soft drink. Frankly, it never gets old hearing this argument. (The correct answer is soda.)

#4: The annual DeKalb Corn Fest

Must I explain this one? Most of the Midwest lives surrounded by corn fields, so going to the DeKalb Corn Fest is a must.

#3: The Midwest goodbye
Whether it may be saying goodbye to your grandma, or even just a friend, be prepared to spend half an hour trying to say bye and leave.

#2: The beloved accent
You may not notice it, but we can assure it’s there. You draw out your “a’s” and by the way, it’s milk, not “melk.”

#1: The Midwestern attitude
Besides the south, most Midwestern states are known for their hospitality. We will be the most neighborly and kindest people yo