13 Strange Habits Every Mainer Will Defend To The Death

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Mainers are a special breed. We scoff at what southerners consider cold weather, we drink a medicinal tasting local soda (well, not ALL of us) and we pack the kids for school the night of a blizzard knowing that the school bus will pull up at its regular time the next day. Yes, folks - there are some habits seen in Mainers that might come across as strange, but we'll defend ourselves no matter what. It takes a special type to be a Mainer and, of that, we are pretty darn proud!

1. Waving to everyone we pass as we zip through our small town.

If there's anything Mainers love, it's other Mainers. Whether we know you or not, you're going to get a wave simply for being on the same road as us.

2. Making our own laws.

When we say "no swimin" we MEAN "no swimin!"

3. Being that one person who doesn't think it's THAT cold.

Snow on the ground doesn't mean it's actually cold. I was once stuck in the county during a blizzard that blew my pants right off and I still managed to sleep through the night outside. So, I can tell you a thing or two about the cold. Note: This never happened to US, but we have to believe that someone, somewhere in Maine has said this.

4. Going to the Grange for the sole purpose of gossiping.

Listen, do you know how hard it can be to get the good stuff through Facebook? The real juicy gossip comes from in-person conversations over a bean supper. And if you grew up in Maine you know that our moms did the same thing! Why else would we have dreaded them so much?

5. Having an entire conversation made up of just saying "ayuh" back and forth with a breath inward.

It's an impossible sound to mimic if you didn't grow up doing it, but if you want to know what those guys hanging out together are chatting about - it's likely the weather with a whole lot of "ayuh."

6. Completely ignoring a winter weather report.

Because, honestly, it's February. As Mainers who live in Maine, what do we expect?

7. Leaving out the "r" when we talk about the "hahbah."

No, we don't talk funny - but you might.

8. Getting a little too excited after that first warm day in April.

We can't be expected to just let that special day pass! We have to celebrate, dance, proclaim our gratitude for all to hear! And then get back inside because it's actually still 50 degrees and there's snow in the forecast for tomorrow.

9. Having this store's jingle in your head every time you see the sign.

"A MAINE ADVENTUUURE!"

10. Coming back to Maine after moving away and drinking this stuff.

We don't even like it. Heck, we HATE it. But there's something about holding of of these that makes us feel like a real Mainer.

11. Keeping, literally, everything.

It's not considered hoarding if you genuinely might need this stuff again. What will you do in the event that there's a major shortage on wheelbarrows? That's right, you'll come to MY house where I'll have six waiting for those in need.

12. Setting a few extra places at the table, just in case someone drops by.

In a tight knit community, you just don't know who might need a meal. So, we set a few extras. A Mainer is always prepared!

13. Always coming home again.

We've been other places, but Maine just feels like home. We can't help it.

Speaking of strange habits, did you know that we love a very special type of grilled cheese? Click here to find out more about this lobster infused deliciousness!