Here in Montana, our roots run deep. And being born and raised in the Treasure State means certain habits and tendencies stay with us, no matter where we go. Whether your number still has a 406 area code or you're currently hundreds of miles from home, we're betting a few of these apply to you.
1. The Montana Stare.
If you've never heard of this, that's because the stare is mostly noticed by out-of-staters who move to small town Montana and realize people are looking at them everywhere they go. This isn't meant to be unwelcoming or intimidating... some of us are simply used to seeing the same 20-30 people every day, so we notice someone new. We're just curious, and even when we leave, sometimes we can't stop staring.
2. Measuring distance not in miles, or even hours, but in beers.
Until 2010, it was legal to have a drink while driving in Montana. And while it's now just an expression, Montanans who were driving in the 80s and 90s will still sometimes measure distance in beers.
3. Pulling over to help strangers on the side of the road.
Helping other people is just a part of who we are.
4. Waving to other drivers on the road.
The first time you wave at strangers and they look at you like you're insane, you know you're not in Montana anymore.
5. Our love of rodeo.
While it's true that not every single Montanan loves the rodeo, the majority of us do, and that's something that doesn't fade if we move away.
6. Looking on the side of the road for wildlife.
It doesn't matter where we're driving... we'd look for deer on New York City streets out of habit.
7. We drive a little on the fast side.
We can't help it. Try growing up in a state the size of a country and see how slowly you want to go.
8. We love our meat, always and forever.
We're not saying a Montanan has never gone away to college and become a vegan, but you're only slightly less likely to see a unicorn than to hear of that happening.
9. We will appreciate summer weather, always and forever.
Montana summers are incredible, but short. No matter how long we live in the Treasure State - or even if we move to somewhere that's always sunny - we'll never taken warm weather for granted.
10. Our overwhelming Montana pride.
We'll carry our love for Montana with us wherever we go, always.
Growing up in the Last Best Place means being raised with your own habits and tendencies, some of which might seem a bit bizarre.
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