10 Unwritten Rules Everyone in Iowa Knows

As a born-and-raised Iowan, I feel it's my duty to explain a few things about us to the rest of the country. We have more than a few quirks. We apologize to people who bump into us. We wave at strangers on the roads. We consider a 20-minute drive a perfectly reasonable excuse to pack snacks. Heck, some days we experience all four seasons before lunch and still find a way to enjoy the day.

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To the rest of the country, Iowa and the Midwest are practically interchangeable. Say you're from Iowa, and people immediately picture cornfields, cows, friendly neighbors, and somebody named Earl who knows how to fix a tractor. To be fair... they're really not  wrong.

Credit: Tom Drake | My kids helping with the family's sweet corn prep day

However, there's more to being an Iowan than corn and questionable winter driving conditions. There are certain rules we all seem to follow, even though nobody remembers agreeing to them. And if you stay here long enough with us, they're going to rub off on you. These very Iowan traits have been passed down through generations, reinforced at county fairs, and refined by the same fires that produce the finest gas-station pizza.

So, on behalf of Iowa, allow me to explain 10 unwritten rules for living in the Hawkeye State. The rest of you, take notes.

Did I Miss One?

These are just 10 of the unwritten rules for Iowa life, and we're sure every town has a few of its own. What would you add to the list? Whether you're a lifelong Iowan or just been here for too long, remember, don't sleep on the ope, watch for deer, and never underestimate a good tenderloin. Oh, and don't forget to wave back; that's how we know you're one of us.