1. Complaining About the Weather
Midwesterners experience extreme weather year-round, from blistering summers to bone-chilling winters, and they’ve learned to accept it, according to Taylor Kay Phillips from The Atlantic. Complaining too much about the heat, cold, or humidity can make you sound weak or overly dramatic. Everyone knows the weather can be brutal, but Midwesterners prefer to joke about it rather than whine. If you can’t handle a little snow, ice, or suffocating humidity, they might suggest you relocate.
The key is to embrace the elements with a little humor and resilience. If it’s below zero, just throw on some layers and keep moving. If it’s 100 degrees with 90% humidity, grab a cold drink and find some shade. Midwesterners respect people who can roll with the punches and tough out the seasons without too much fuss.
2. Refusing to Wave Back
In the Midwest, waving is a way of life, according to Jeff Rawson from The Scout. Whether you’re driving past a neighbor, walking down the street, or just making eye contact in a parking lot, a little wave or nod is expected. Ignoring a friendly greeting can make you seem cold or rude, even if it wasn’t intentional. Midwesterners believe in good manners, and acknowledging others—even briefly—is part of the culture.
If someone waves at you, don’t overthink it—just wave back. You don’t have to stop for a conversation, but a simple nod or lift of the hand goes a long way. Midwesterners value friendliness and connection, and something as small as a wave can make you seem more approachable. It’s one of the easiest ways to fit in.
3. Turning Down Casserole (or Hotdish)
Food is a big part of Midwestern hospitality, and turning down a homemade casserole (or “hotdish” in Minnesota and the Dakotas) can be borderline offensive. These dishes are a staple at gatherings, from church potlucks to family dinners, and they symbolize comfort and generosity, according to Amanda Kippert from Taste of Home. Even if you’re not a fan of cheesy, creamy, carb-loaded meals, rejecting one outright might be seen as rejecting hospitality itself.
If you’re offered a plate, at least take a small scoop and show appreciation. Midwesterners don’t expect you to love every dish, but they do expect gratitude for the effort. If you have dietary restrictions, just politely explain—but don’t make a big deal out of it. Food is a love language here, and embracing it (even just a little) will help you win favor.
4. Saying “I Could Care Less”
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Midwesterners take pride in clear, straightforward communication, and saying “I could care less” is a common linguistic misstep that can annoy them, according to Jonathan Becher from Forbes. The correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less,” which means you care so little that it’s impossible to care any less. The incorrect version implies that you still care a little, which defeats the intended meaning. While this might seem like a small issue, Midwesterners appreciate precision in language, and sloppy phrasing can come off as careless.
If you want to avoid an eye roll, just use the correct phrase and move on. Midwesterners aren’t overly fussy about grammar, but they do notice when words don’t quite mean what they’re supposed to. They value humility and common sense, so if they correct you, it’s not to be condescending—it’s just to keep things clear. A little linguistic accuracy goes a long way in earning their respect.
5. Not Holding the Door for Others
Holding the door open for the person behind you is an unspoken rule in the Midwest. Whether you’re at the gas station, grocery store, or a random office building, letting a door close on someone is considered rude. Midwesterners are used to small acts of courtesy, and not holding the door—especially when someone is just a few steps away—can make you look inconsiderate.
It’s not about chivalry; it’s just about being decent. A quick glance behind you before walking through a door ensures you’re not leaving someone in an awkward situation. If someone holds the door for you, a simple “thank you” is expected. Ignoring that courtesy will make you stand out—and not in a good way.
6. Making Fun of Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is sacred in the Midwest. People put it on everything—salads, pizza, fries, even chicken wings. If you mock their love for ranch or act surprised at how much they consume, you might get some side-eye. It’s not just a condiment here; it’s a lifestyle.
Instead of questioning their devotion to ranch, just embrace it. You don’t have to drown your food in it, but at least understand that it’s a beloved staple. Midwesterners don’t need judgment about their food choices—just a willingness to share in their enthusiasm.
7. Declining Help Without a Good Reason
Midwesterners are known for being helpful, sometimes to a fault. If you’re struggling with something—car trouble, carrying groceries, moving furniture—someone will likely offer to lend a hand. Dismissing their help outright, especially with a curt “I got it,” can be taken as rejecting their kindness. They don’t see helping as a burden; it’s just what people do.
If you truly don’t need assistance, at least acknowledge the offer with a “Thanks, but I think I’m good.” A little gratitude goes a long way. Midwesterners thrive on a sense of community, and turning down their help too aggressively can make you seem ungrateful.
8. Not Understanding Midwest Nice
Midwesterners are known for their politeness, but “Midwest nice” is more than just good manners—it’s a whole way of interacting. It means smiling at strangers, making small talk in checkout lines, and offering friendly but noncommittal phrases like “We should grab coffee sometime” (which may or may not happen). If you misinterpret their niceness as an invitation for deep friendship too quickly, or if you don’t return their warmth, they might find you standoffish.
The best approach is to match their energy. Engage in lighthearted conversation, be friendly, and appreciate the unspoken social rules. Midwesterners may not always mean everything literally, but their politeness is genuine, and recognizing that will make interactions smoother.
9. Driving Too Aggressively
Midwesterners aren’t known for aggressive driving, and trying to weave in and out of traffic like you’re in New York or LA won’t win you any fans. Tailgating, honking excessively, or failing to wave when someone lets you merge will make you stand out in the worst way. While people here might not always drive slowly, they do value patience and courtesy on the road.
If someone waves you through at a four-way stop, just accept it and give a little wave in return. Midwest driving culture is all about cooperation, not competition. The unwritten rule is simple: don’t be in a rush, and don’t act like you own the road.
10. Skipping the Goodbye Ritual
Midwesterners don’t just leave—they have a whole process. There’s the “Well, I suppose” announcement, the lingering chat by the door, the slow walk to the car, and the final wave from the driveway. If you abruptly cut things off with a quick “Bye” and walk out, you’re missing an essential part of the social dance.
Even if you’re in a hurry, try to engage in at least part of the extended goodbye. Midwesterners cherish connection, and a rushed exit can feel abrupt or impersonal. Just budget a few extra minutes for the farewell—it’s all part of the charm.
11. Saying “We Don’t Do That Here”
This phrase is one you’ll want to steer clear of if you’re trying to fit in. It comes off as exclusionary and suggests a sense of superiority, as though people in the Midwest are unwilling to consider other perspectives. While it’s important to embrace regional customs, the Midwest is home to a diverse range of people and opinions. Saying, “We don’t do that here” can make you sound closed-minded and dismissive of others’ experiences.
Instead, try to keep an open mind and approach new ideas with curiosity. If you’re introducing someone to a local tradition, for example, say, “Here’s how we do it” rather than outright rejecting alternatives. Midwesterners are proud of their culture but also appreciate diversity and understanding. The key is to share with others in a welcoming way rather than shutting them down with an “us versus them” mentality.
12. Acting Like Small Talk Is a Waste of Time
Midwesterners love small talk, and skipping straight to deep, serious topics can feel abrupt or even rude. A friendly “How’s it going?” isn’t just filler—it’s a way of establishing warmth before getting into the real conversation. Ignoring this social ritual or brushing off pleasantries with a short response can make you seem uninterested or impatient. People here like to ease into things, and they appreciate those who reciprocate that effort.
Even if you’re not a fan of chit-chat, try to engage a little. Talk about the weather, mention a local event, or comment on something neutral, like sports or weekend plans. Small talk in the Midwest isn’t pointless—it’s a way to connect, even if just for a moment. If you can master the art of casual conversation, you’ll fit in much more easily.
13. Failing to Bring Something to a Gathering
If you’re invited to a Midwestern gathering—whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a holiday dinner, or just a casual get-together—you’re expected to contribute. Showing up empty-handed is a major faux pas, even if the host insists they have everything covered. Midwestern hospitality is generous, but it’s also built on reciprocity. Bringing a side dish, a dessert, or even just a six-pack of beer is a simple way to show appreciation.
If you’re unsure what to bring, just ask, or play it safe with something easy like chips and dip. Even if it’s not needed, the gesture will be noticed and appreciated. Midwesterners don’t expect perfection—just effort. A small contribution shows that you respect their hospitality and understand the unspoken rules of communal gatherings.
