That was the only answer I could come up with when trying to find the reason for my recent experience.

When you live in Minnesota, you often hear the phrase “Minnesota nice,” or multiple references to the “passive aggressive” nature of the people here. Personally though, I have been oblivious to these things which I attribute fully to living in New York City for two years - where “passive” simply doesn’t cut it. Yesterday, however, I finally got a clear glimpse of the famous “MN nice” in the flesh! So for those of you who are curious about this midwestern phenomenon, here’s what it is:

(And to be clear - I found it humorous - not offensive, in the least).

Minnesota “nice” is when someone asks a group of 18 people to give you and your pregnant wife a ride to the adjacent parking lot (about 500 feet away) in 20 degree weather, and all eyes immediately start scanning the ceiling, or floor, or anywhere to avoid visual contact.

Nevermind that we had all interacted with each other the previous two hours or so, being all-around socially engaged.

Nevermind that the person who asked the group did so twice before I intervened and explained that I would be walking to the car and bring the car to my wife instead. (Which I happily did…laughing all the way there and back).

So there you have it! I live in Minnesota after all. Love it.