The states of Michigan and Ohio have always had a little trouble getting along. Whether it's our hardcore loyalty to our football teams that happen to be extreme rivals, or if that same rivalry grows from the major differences between us, the feud has existed for years, and probably will continue to do so. But is one really better from the other? Probably not, but being from Michigan, I am a bit biased. However, I do attend school in Ohio (regardless of the fact that all of my friends from home repeatedly asking me why I would ever voluntarily move to here), so I see both sides of the rivalry. Unfortunately, this means that no matter which state I'm in, the local people are constantly questioning why I spend so much time in their archenemy state. I never know exactly how to respond. Am I supposed to apologize for being born in Michigan or for attending a school in Ohio? Nonetheless, moving from Michigan to Ohio has been an experience unlike any other. You might not be able to tell from my appearance where I was born and raised, but I'm always well aware of what side of the border I'm standing on. These few things are signs you are a Michigander in Ohio.
1. The first question Ohioans will ask you is "U of M or MSU?"
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University are large rivals themselves, but nothing compares to the rivalry between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University. The Ohioan is already judging you for being from Michigan, they just need to know on what level they should judge you. U of M fans, I suggest you answer this question carefully. Admitting your U of M loyalty to the wrong OSU fan could wind up getting ugly. But really, just wearing a U of M or MSU shirt can get you dirty looks in Ohio.
2. Ohioans will make fun of you for using your hand to point to where in the state of Michigan you are from.
Michiganders are proud of our mitten state, and we also find it pretty cool that we can show you where we live by holding up our hand. If you try to do this to an Ohioan, nine times out of ten they will end up laughing and making fun of you. To them, it's dorky, and a lot of times they will mock you by attempting to make the shape of Ohio with their hand and show you where they live.
3. No one understands why visiting a man-made lake just isn't the same.
You come from a place where you are never more than ten miles away from a body of fresh water. You grew up spending a lot of your time on a lake, and you know all of the best lake activities to partake it. Going swimming in a "lake" that was dug out by humans gets boring really fast, and it just doesn't have the same thrill to it. Plus, it's probably really far away, since lakes in Ohio are few and far between.
4. Driving on the highway can be very frustrating.
The speed limits in Ohio are much slower than they are in Michigan most of the time. They are much more careful drivers. When you come from a place where, for most drivers, the speed limit is typically a "suggestion", it becomes extremely frustrating forcing yourself to be careful in Ohio. Once you cross over the border towards Michigan, odds are you probably punch the gas.
5. Your state will get disrespected in a number of ways.
When I first got to college, I witnessed one comedian call Michigan a "wasteland," and another say the only way to say hi to Detroit is "with your middle finger." Both insults were followed by deafening cheering from the crowd. Other people refuse to even say the word "Michigan" and refer to it as "the state up north." It's incredibly insulting, and it makes your skin crawl every time you hear it. You'd like to be able to fire some insults back, however, bad-mouthing the state of Ohio while in Ohio will lead to a lot of enemies.
6. No one screams the two lyrics that mention Michigan in Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" or Kid Rock's "All Summer Long."
One of the best parts of being at a large event in Michigan where music is playing is hearing one of these two songs come on, preparing yourself, and then screaming "born and raised in SOUTH DETROIT" or "it was summertime in NORTHERN MICHIGAN" with all of your fellow Michiganders. But when you try to do this in Ohio, no one joins in, and you end up being the only one screaming these lyrics. It earns you a lot of concerned or dirty looks, and people might think you're a little obsessed with your home state.
7. You hear the people of Northern Ohio complain about being so North, and you roll your eyes every time.
Oh please, you really think you're that North? Try living through a Michigan winter. It's difficult to hear Ohioans complain about the cold and the snow when to you, an Ohio winter is a piece of cake.
8. No matter what, you will always call Michigan home.
Michigan and Ohio are so different, that it's difficult to adjust to living in the opposite state you were born in. One might not be better than the other, but it sure seems like Michigan is when you're a Michigander. You find yourself missing all of the great traits of Michigan, which makes you appreciate your home-state a lot more than before. Ohio will probably grow on you, despite the fact that you've been bred to hate it, but no matter what Michigan will always be your home.
