10 Things You Must Know About Dating Someone From Arkansas
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Tiffany
Author
So you’re dating an Arkansan or considering asking an Arkansas native out? Congratulations! There are some things you should know, though, before things get serious. Arkansans are some of the best people you’ll ever meet, but you have to know a few things about how Arkies operate if you ever find yourself falling in love with one of ours!
Arkansans won't hesitate to dump you if you don't get along with their best friends - meaning their beloved pets. In a state where many consider their dogs, cats, fish, and even sugar gliders to be members of the family, you'd better accept that you'll be sharing part of your Arkie's love with their undying loyalty to their pets.
It's hard to leave home behind, but anyone dating an Arkansas native must know that asking him or her to move out of state is a pretty major life decision - and even if you can take the guy out of Arkansas, you can't take Arkansas out of the guy. Couples take annual trips to locations across the Natural State just to say they "visited back home". It's tough to leave Arkansas behind.
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With many Arkansans, family is always first and foremost. If you find yourself falling for an Arkansan you should be sure to ask to meet his or her parents or other important heads of the household if you haven't already been introduced. Spending an afternoon visiting with a grandparent or going on an Arkansas fishing day trip with your partner's father can mean a lot in the quality of a new relationship.
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The reality in many situations here in the Natural State find hard-working parents raising their kids largely on their own but with assistance from family and friends. When pursuing a relationship with an Arkansan who is a single parent, be sure to include the kids in on some of your day trips or weekend outings to give your potential partner a stronger emotional bond with you.
Don't get too caught up too quickly in all of the lovin'! Arkansans are big on respect in any kind of relationship, whether friendly or romantic. Natives of the Natural State still believe in good Southern manners and are a proud lot, so it's best not to make disparaging, patronizing, or overly inappropriate remarks even in a joking manner about your partner to your friends or family once you feel comfortable in a new relationship with an Arkansas native...especially if you don't want to miss any kissing!
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Religion is a topic that should be discussed early when dating an Arkansan; the Natural State is religiously diverse and church is a large part of the lives of many residents. Be sure you know where your potential partner stands on religion and church attendance so that you maintain a happy balance in your dating life.
One of the many great things about Arkansans is that you can count on the typical Arkansas native to do what's needed to be done. As a result of this quality, Arkansans expect others to be just as dependable and are often let down when we find others who don't live up to the standard. Dating and couples aren't exempt from this local sentiment; Arkansas natives aren't the type to wait on you very long when you're needed. Be there or be left out in the cold, in other words!
This applies to those who judge an Arkansas native primarily on what's said about the South and not necessarily about the state itself. The image of the hillbilly Arkansas Traveler and country yokels should not come to mind at all when considering asking an Arkansas native out on a date. Some out-of-towners find themselves surprised when their Arkansan partner would prefer to visit a symphony than a gun show (and then there are those Arkansans who would enjoy either outing if given the option.)
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Arkansans love to eat. Even the strictest of Arkie vegans has a kitchen full of organic and gluten-free food. It's just the way we are and the way we eat. If you're serious about dating an Arkansas native, you have to take food seriously. This will likely mean having a little more food on your plate and a little more Southern comfort in your life.
If you were born in Arkansas, you're a Razorback fan. If you were raised in Arkansas, you're a Razorback fan. You may move your sweetie anywhere between Little Rock and Bakersfield to Buffalo...it doesn't matter. If you're dating an Arkansan, you may be able to change their mind about a lot of things, but you will never, ever get them to stop supporting the Razorbacks.
Life with an Arkansas native can be the greatest time you’ll ever experience, but be sure that you know what you’re getting into! Arkansans have a certain standard that prospective dates should meet…and only the strong can handle the challenge!
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