Nebraska may be a place that some folks only pass through, but once you’ve lived here, you know it’s much more than just cornfields and football. From its wide open skies to the hearty food and the fiercely loyal people, Nebraska is a state that gets under your skin—whether you want it to or not. If you’ve experienced these 10 things, there’s no denying it—you’ve been living in Nebraska for far too long.
You’ve Defended Corn to Outsiders (And Wondered How They Can’t See the Appeal)
Living in Nebraska means you’ve spent more time than you care to admit defending corn. You’ve explained that it’s not just for eating (although it is great for eating), it’s a staple, a way of life. And you’ve probably gotten a little too passionate about how Nebraska corn is the best, even if you’re just talking to someone about the local grocery store’s corn-on-the-cob.
You’ve Learned That “The Wind” Is an Understatement
If you live in Nebraska, you’ve been introduced to the wind in a way that is both beautiful and terrifying. You’ve been hit with gusts so strong that you’ve considered wearing a helmet for a walk to the mailbox. And yet, you’ve come to love the wild unpredictability of it—because, really, it’s Nebraska’s second personality.
You’ve Explained That “The Cornhusker State” Is More Than Just a Football Reference
Football in Nebraska is more than a sport—it’s practically a religion. You’ve spent more than one conversation explaining that Nebraska’s “Cornhusker” pride extends beyond just the team to the very fabric of state identity. You may or may not have shed a tear during a game, no matter the score.
You’ve Taken the “Long Drive” to Anywhere and Thought, “It’s Just Nebraska”
In Nebraska, long drives are part of the charm. Whether you’re headed to Omaha or across the state to catch a Huskers game, you’ve driven so far on the flat, open roads that you began to question whether you’re still in Nebraska. The vastness of the state makes you realize that everything is a “long drive.”
You’ve Had to Explain to Outsiders That There’s More to Nebraska Than Just Corn
You’ve spent more time than you’d like explaining that Nebraska has so much more to offer than just cornfields and football. You’ve listed off the majestic Sandhills, the Platte River, the charming small towns, and of course, the rich agricultural history. Sometimes you just want to say, “Come see for yourself.”
You’ve Had a Conversation About the “Best Runza” in Town
If you live in Nebraska, you know what a Runza is—and you’ve probably had a long discussion about which place makes the best one. Whether it’s the classic stuffed bread pocket filled with ground beef, onions, and cabbage, or you’ve gotten creative with your toppings, you’ve found that there’s no wrong way to enjoy a Runza.
You’ve Seen a Tornado (Or Two) and Thought, “Well, It’s That Time of Year”
Tornado season in Nebraska isn’t something you just “hear” about—it’s something you live through. Whether it’s watching the sky turn green and wondering if you need to take cover, or getting caught in a storm so intense you thought it might just suck you up to Oz, you’ve come to recognize the warning signs and embrace your inner storm chaser.
You’ve Driven Through “The Middle of Nowhere” and Thought, “At Least It’s Quiet”
Nebraska is full of wide-open spaces, and you’ve driven through stretches of land where there’s literally nothing for miles. You’ve found peace in the simplicity, and while the isolation might seem a little overwhelming to outsiders, you know there’s something uniquely calming about the “middle of nowhere.”
You’ve Had a “Nebraska Nice” Moment and Realized You’re Just One of Them
You’ve been approached by a stranger who, in true Nebraska fashion, asked if you needed help with something, only to realize you’ve adopted that same approach. You’ve found yourself saying “hi” to everyone you meet, holding doors for people, and offering help even when it’s not expected—because that’s just how things are done in Nebraska.
You’ve Had the “Nebraska Winter” Experience and Come Out Stronger
Let’s face it: Nebraska winters are no joke. You’ve been through freezing temperatures, snowstorms that seem to come out of nowhere, and the kind of cold that makes your face hurt. But through it all, you’ve learned to layer up like a professional, embrace the beauty of a snow-covered landscape, and power through the chill with your trusty hot chocolate.
If you’ve braved the long winters, embraced corn as a food group, and developed an undeniable pride for the Cornhusker State, you’ve truly become a part of Nebraska. The vast land, the proud traditions, and the unbeatable hospitality make it a place like no other. Sure, it might be flat and a little windswept, but it’s home—and once you’ve lived in Nebraska, you’ll always carry a little bit of that Midwest spirit with you.
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