11 Awkward Moments Every New Mexican Has Endured At Least Once

Awkward moments crop up wherever you live in the country. However, some situations are specific to your location. Here are 11 cringe-inducing incidents that many New Mexicans have suffered through. How many of these weird things about living in New Mexico have you endured?

1. When you have to persuade someone that New Mexico is part of the United States…

…And they catch you rolling your eyes. We’re not the ones failing geography, but still… awkward.

You’ve got to wonder how people are reaching 50 states without including us. Do they split up Alaska or maybe they invent West Montana?

2. When you say you live in New Mexico and people compliment you on your English.

On the one hand, they’re trying to be nice. On the other hand, REALLY?

3. Accidentally complaining about Texas drivers in front of someone from the Lone Star State.

This is an easier faux pas to commit than you might think because quite a few people move here from Texas. While we get that everything’s bigger there, in older parts of New Mexico that were designed with horse-drawn transportation in mind, sometimes space can get tight. And that’s when it’s good to share the road.

4. When you have to decide whether to correct an out-of-stater’s assumption that it’s always hot in New Mexico or let them keep talking.

We have snow. Sometimes A LOT of it.

5. Your overly excited response to rain, when you visit another state.

Any moisture’s a cause for celebration in New Mexico but in some places it rains all the time. Even if people look at you weirdly, it’s still good to be grateful for what others consider "the small things."

6. Having someone try to helpfully correct your spelling of "chile."

We know how to spell chile, thank you very much. The question is, do you?

7. Having to explain that you really can’t hook up a visitor with meth…

…Because "Breaking Bad" was a fictional television show and not – thankfully – a documentary.

8. That moment when someone tells you they don’t like spicy food and you don’t mask your horror in time.

It’s not that we’re judging you, exactly. But we’re thinking you won’t enjoy any potluck or party we ever throw.

9. When you forget you’re traveling and order "Christmas" in a restaurant.

It’s confusing for the server and embarrassing for you. Especially if it’s the middle of July!

10. Recommending gas station food to someone who doesn’t understand the awesomeness of Allsup’s.

People think you’re making a joke and then you have to decide if you should just laugh along or explain that you’re craving chimichangas and NEED a pit stop at the gas station.

11. When someone asks to put something in your freezer…

…And you’re tempted to claim it’s broken because they’re taking up valuable real estate that could be used for chile.

What's the most embarrassing experience you've had as a New Mexican? Let us know on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page. If you related to some of the things on this list, then you'll probably also agree that these New Mexican stereotypes are true - even if you don't want to admit it.