Posted in Ohio June 03, 2017 by

11 Awkward Moments Every Ohioan Has Endured At Least Once

Traveling out of state can be awkward. Likewise, hosting out-of-state visitors can be awkward. Why? Because, in case you haven’t already noticed, Ohioans tend to live life a little differently than most Americans. The following are 11 awkward moments every Ohioan has endured at least once—and if you haven’t endured at least half of these then you’re lying.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. When you order "pop" at an out-of-state restaurant.
Phera Laster/Flickr
You know what we mean. You don't have to look so confused.
2. When you refer to stores such as Meijer, Kroger and JC Penney in possessive form and an out-of-state visitor laughs at you.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
Listen. It’s "Meijer’s," "Kroger’s" and "JC Penney’s" here and we don’t care if that’s wrong because it just feels right to us. (And no, we will not repeat ourselves just so you can laugh at us again.)
3. When you walk into an out-of-state Walmart and feel like you've stepped foot into a time capsule.
Mike Kalasnik/Flickr
Who knew Ohio had some of the most up-to-date stores? An attached McDonald's instead of a Subway is a surefire sign this state's Walmart is indeed stuck in the 90s.
4 When you accidentally insult Michigan in front of a Michigander.
brandon king/Flcikr
Sorry, not sorry.
5. When you get caught in an unexpected, mid-March Ohio blizzard.
Tach_RedGold&Green/Flickr
This is only awkward because you know better. If you left home without the Ohio essentials (ice scraper, extra layers of clothing, etc.) it's your own fault.
6. When you have to break the news to your out-of-state friend that they're actually the ones who have an accent.
Brian Talbot/Flickr
Listen. We don't have accents. And don't even waste your time trying to tell us we do.
7. When you throw out an "O-H" and don't hear an "I-O" reply.
Katrina Cole/Flickr
Alrighty then. Someone's a little heartless.
8. When the street you need to drive down is just straight up gone.
Travis Estell/Flickr
Here in Ohio, street construction can happen anytime, anywhere and you can't expect it to be finished, like, ever. Just find a new way.
9. When you have high hopes for spring only to be disappointed yet again.
Thomas Lillis IV/Flickr
Again, you know better. It's not safe for patio furniture until mid-May. Why do we even need to discuss this?
10. When your out-of-state friends can't pronounce the name of your hometown—no matter how hard they try.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/ Flickr
Practice makes perfect. (But until then, you can just keep trying because it's hilarious to hear.)
11. When you get caught making fun of Ohio in front of an out-of-stater.
MichelleNMS/Flickr
Listen. We would try to explain this to you, be there's really no logical explanation. We absolutely love our state, so we make fun of it when the opportunity arises. It's complicated.

How many of these awkward moments have you endured? What ones would you add to this list? Let us know!