If You’ve Experienced These 10 Things, You’ve Lived in Michigan for Far Too Long

Michigan is the state that has it all: stunning lakes, a love for sports, and the kind of quirky culture that grows on you over time. Whether you’re near the Great Lakes or deep in the mitten, Michigan’s unique charm never stops surprising you. If you’ve experienced these 10 things, there’s no denying it—you’ve been living in Michigan for far too long.

You’ve Had to Explain the Geography of Michigan (And Probably Draw a Map)

Living in Michigan means you’ve spent more time than you care to admit explaining the “mitten” shape of the state. You’ve had to clarify that yes, the Upper Peninsula is part of Michigan, and no, it’s not “just Wisconsin.” You’ve probably drawn the outline of the state on a napkin more times than you can count.

You’ve Had a Deep-Dish Debate About Whether or Not Michigan Pizza Is the Best

Michigan has its own pizza culture, and you’ve spent countless hours debating whether Michigan’s version of deep-dish or Detroit-style pizza is the true pizza king. You know that square-cut, cheesy goodness and the crispy crust are part of Michigan pride, and you’ll defend it to the bitter end.

You’ve Spent Hours at a Lake and Thought, “This is Basically the Ocean”

With more than 11,000 lakes, you’ve spent plenty of time lounging by one of Michigan’s gorgeous bodies of water, only to realize that you don’t actually need to go to the ocean to feel like you’re on a beach vacation. Whether it’s Lake Michigan, Huron, or one of the smaller lakes, you’ve enjoyed lake life with the kind of pride that only a Michigander can understand.

You’ve Survived a Michigan Winter and Lived to Tell the Tale

If you’ve lived in Michigan, you’ve likely faced the brutal winters, complete with snowstorms that seem to arrive without warning. You’ve learned that dressing in layers, owning multiple pairs of boots, and keeping a shovel in your car at all times are just part of the package deal—and you’ve somehow come to love it (or at least accept it).

You’ve Supported the Lions, Even When It Feels Like an Act of Faith

Michigan sports fans are loyal to a fault, especially when it comes to the Detroit Lions. You’ve spent years holding out hope that this year will be the year, even though the Lions have broken your heart more times than you’d like to admit. But despite all that, you still find yourself on the couch every Sunday, cheering them on, “just one more time.”

You’ve Had a Pastie (And You Actually Like It)

Living in Michigan means you’ve probably eaten a pastie, that hearty, hand-held pie stuffed with meat and potatoes that originated in the Upper Peninsula. You’ve learned to love it, especially on cold days, even though it’s one of those foods that might raise eyebrows when shared with out-of-towners.

You’ve Experienced the Unexplainable Joy of a Michigan Cherry Pie

Michigan cherries are legendary, and you’ve probably experienced the sweet bliss of a freshly baked cherry pie. From Traverse City’s cherry festivals to your own homemade versions, you’ve learned that no one does cherries quite like Michigan—and you’re always eager to share the bounty with friends and family.

You’ve Endured the “Pure Michigan” Tourism Campaign and Loved Every Second of It

If you live in Michigan, you’ve heard the “Pure Michigan” ads a million times, and you’ve come to associate the iconic voiceover with everything that makes the state great. From the beauty of the Upper Peninsula to the charm of Michigan’s small towns, you’ve proudly embraced the state’s advertising campaign and taken every opportunity to pitch Michigan to outsiders.

You’ve Witnessed the Struggles of “Going Up North”

In Michigan, “going up north” is a rite of passage. Whether it’s for a cabin getaway or a family reunion, you’ve made the drive up north, and you’ve probably found yourself stuck in traffic, longing for the day you can finally say you’re “there.” Regardless of how long it takes, the minute you cross into the north, it’s all worth it.

You’ve Been Caught in a “Michigan Left” and Thought, “Why Don’t We Have Regular Left Turns?”

If you’ve driven in Michigan long enough, you’ve encountered the infamous “Michigan Left”—a detour that requires you to turn right, do a U-turn at the next intersection, and then head left. You’ve cursed the system, but also come to accept it as just another quirk of Michigan driving that you can’t avoid.

If you’ve braved the winters, embraced the lakes, and defended Michigan’s unique food and sports culture, then you’ve truly absorbed the spirit of the Great Lakes State. From the iconic mitten shape to the lovable sports teams, Michigan is a place that becomes part of you whether you’re born here or just call it home. There’s no place quite like it—and once you’ve lived in Michigan, you’ll always carry a bit of it with you.

The post If You’ve Experienced These 10 Things, You’ve Lived in Michigan for Far Too Long appeared first on When In Your State.

Source link