Minnesota Nice

I was born and raised in Minnesota and have lived there my entire life, except for the four years when I ventured across the border to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Minnesota is known for its long, bitterly cold winters. Winters where you step outside on a crisp, sunny January day and are met with a sharp -20 degree wind chill that rattles your bones. People embrace the indoors and scurry in and out of cars wrapped in thick hats, down parkas, wool mittens, and Ugg boots. It never ceases to amaze me when I see people sporting shorts and t-shirts on the first 40 degree day of the season. 

Despite the cold, one thing that I love about Minnesota is the warmth and kindness of the local inhabitants' hearts and souls. Minnesotans are open and friendly too all; maybe this is because they crave social connections during the long winter hibernation periods. You are free and encouraged to strike up a conversation with a local shop owner, cashier, or elevator companion. If you struggle with what to say, the weather is always a trusted topic du jour. 

As a curious explorer, I love meeting new people while out and about and learning about their interests, careers, dreams, and other random thoughts. There is a strong sense of community and support linking Minnesotans together.

My recent visit to Florida provides a stark contrast to my Minnesota home. First and foremost, the weather is a tropical relief from the drastic cold. Each day I embrace and cherish the warm, sunny weather as I walk briskly on the beach, admiring the waves crashing against the shore. The sun radiates from the sky and wraps around me like a thick down blanket, warming me to the core. It amazes me to see people bundled up in sweatshirts, jeans, hats and mittens when the temperature dips below 60 degrees on a bright February day.

Each afternoon I head to the pool and hope to indulge in friendly conversation with the regular snowbirds. I fantasize about their prior careers that led them to the lap of luxury enjoying endless rounds of golf, games of tennis, walks on the beach, and cocktails by the pool. My curiosity is left unfulfilled as I quickly learn that I am viewed as an outside who doesn't fit in their inner circle. To them, I am simply a passing visitor enjoying a short break in paradise. 

Even when I venture into the shops or visit the local grocery store, I am faced with blank stares and cold, terse responses when I try to engage in conversation with the employees. People seem so guarded and cold here, as if they are wishing to conceal their stories and dreams, only revealing them to tight circle of trusted friends.

Why is a place that is filled with warm sunshine inhabited by people who seem so distrustful and quiet? Perhaps it is the nature of tourism. Why open the door to friendship when a stranger may simply be passing through? I notice people walk on the beach trapped in their own worlds rather than admiring and engaging in the serene environment around them.

While I despise and dread the long Minnesota winters, I cherish the warmth of the people and the sense of community. It fills me with comfort and security to know that I can always count on a kind stranger to offer a friendly smile and helpful hand when I feel lost and alone. The weather and scenery of Florida is beautiful, but for some reason it feels so cold and lonely among the crowds of people basking in the sunshine. 

Perhaps we all should embrace the Minnesota spirit and offer a friendly smile and kind hello to those we meet, especially during today's dreary economic times. Who knows when you will warm the heart of a lonely soul simply by engaging and appreciating a passing stranger with a warm hello. Today I embraced my Minnesota roots and offered a heartfelt smile to those I met along the beach. I hope to spread some Minnesota cheer to the snowbirds and travelers while I spend my lazy days in the paradise of Naples, Florida.