One thing I love about Midwesterners is our sense of politeness. It only rivals that of Canadians. You never quite know how a Midwesterner actually feels about something unless you understand their coded language. You have to know that when they say «I got it on sale» they actually mean «Thank you for the compliment on my article of clothing.» Or that when they say «Watch it, pal,» you are in no way their «pal» and in fact are their enemy. Or that when they say «I made a fresh tater tot casserole for you,» they actually mean «I love you unconditionally.» 

Some may think that politeness gets in the way of direct communication, but I disagree. It’s merely a language of its own, with its own rules and codes. Plus, it helps us walk around feeling good about ourselves. And nobody knows when we’re talking smack about them.