We might not appear angry to your face, because we are known for our cool demeanor and Southern charm… but don’t be fooled. If someone tells you, “Why, bless your heart!,” they may not be exactly wishing you the best. While we will overlook certain naïve comments by folks not from Dallas – Fort Worth, you can be that these 15 things are sure to get us mad about our beloved Metroplex and Lone Star State. After all, our unofficial state motto is “Don’t Mess With Texas.”

1. Assume we are stupid because we talk slower than you.
Adam Simmons/Flickr
Yes, North Texans do tend to talk slower, but never think that our drawl and friendly conversation means we aren't smart. We might even think you are a babbling ninny, although we are too polite to say so.
2. Believe we are all rich like characters from the TV Show "Dallas" or "Real Housewives of Dallas."
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
We don't all live on a ranch with expansive land and large swimming pool. We certainly don't all look like the always-glam housewives, either. In fact, most of us disdain these stereotypes.
3. Think that all we talk about is football.
Ken Slade/Flickr
We love way more things than our Dallas Cowboys. We also huge fans of our Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, and our Texas Motor Speedway. Aside from sports, we also enjoy our annual balloon festival and pretty much all things outdoors. No matter who or what we support, we do so with our strong Texas Pride.
4. Expect all our guys drive big ol' pickups.
Dan Morales/Flickr
It's true that pickups are a vehicle of choice around here for many, but we drive every other car sold as well. It's just that often we like them bigger and badder. What's so wrong with that?
5. Assume that everyone wears cowboy boots.
USAG- Humphreys/Flickr
Many of us do wear cowboy boots... sometimes. Most of us have at least a pair. What IS certain, however, is that our Dallas Sweethearts (Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders) will ALWAYS don boots, dance, and high kick in them with incredible grace and poise.
6. Think that local women are just eye-candy.
pumpkincat210/Flickr
This one is actually quite offensive to us. Between the outdated "housewife" stereotype and the TV shows that glorify the most luxurious lifestyles, Texas women don't get nearly enough credit for our depth of character, personality, and all-around excellence. Sure, we might love a little extra eyeshadow, sparkly accessories, and big hair... but we are some of the biggest and brightest minds to be found anywhere. We just love to express ourselves!
7. Comment that we aren't a place of culture.
Brett Chisum/Flickr
Both cities command stunning architecture, too-many-to-mention museums, incredible performing arts centers, cultural centers, and much more. And, no, it's not just Western art.
8. Ask us if we ride horses and have a barn in our backyard.
Mike/Flickr
Some of us do have horses and pasture, and many of us have ridden Western in our lives... but not all of us do. We aren't all cowboys and cowgirls, but we do all know that the Wild West and cowboy culture helped to put our cities on the map.
9. Think our friendliness is "fake."
Tim Patterson/Flickr
We take great pride in our Southern manners and Texans are naturally just doggone friendly. If you meet one who isn't, here's guessing they are a recent transplant... or that you may not be so pleasant yourself.
10. Believe the stereotypes about what all people from Dallas or Fort Worth look like.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
We are diverse, eclectic, cosmopolitan, country, suburbian, and all things in between. Don't try to put us all in one box; we are far more unique than you may think.
11. Expect all males to wear cowboy hats... except when they are wearing ballcaps.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Ten-gallon hats are still worn by some, even if it's only to the annual Stock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth each year. Our true ranchers still consider them a practical necessity from the Texas weather, but this doesn't mean you'll see these hats on everyone you pass on the street.
12. Assume that all locals can country-western dance.
Karen Miller/Flickr
Not all of us can dance to the Texas Waltz. With that said, our western bars and joints still hop on weekends and we sure have fun at outdoor concerts, which may or may not lead to impromptu spins and hand-clappin'. Some of us are just more graceful than others.
13. Ask us if there are any other college teams besides the University of Texas. Especially if you are an Aggie.
Stuart Seeger/Flickr
There are 172 colleges in Texas; 109 public and 62 private. So not all of us bleed the burnt orange of UT (Austin), and we are likely to get offended if you suggest that they are the only "good college" around. Have you heard of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas or Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, for example? Thought you might.
14. Comment that our countryside isn't pretty.
Gene/Flickr
Expect a sad shake of the head to this one. We have some of the most beautiful landscapes and open skies that let us truly see the stars at night and the country for miles and miles around.
Texas.713/Flickr
You will likely see Longhorns grazing in pastures, and Texas is arguably the prettiest place in the spring, when meadows are filled with our Texas bluebonnets.
15. Wonder out loud what it is that we find so awesome about Texas.
Steve Schroeder

You know what? Just go ahead and show them some of our past articles. Here’s one filled with Reasons We Are The Best. Here’s another with Undeniable Reasons Why Dallas – Fort Worth Will Always Be Home. Or there’s this one about all of the Ways Living in Dallas – Fort Worth Ruins You For Life. Tell them to do their homework, then get back to you .

What stereotypes and comments make you mad about our beloved Texas and the Metroplex? We’d love to hear from you.

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