11 Awkward Moments Every Chicagoan Has Endured At Least Once
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
If you grew up in the city, you’ve likely experienced a wealth of awkward moments that you could list for days.You’re not alone in feeling ashamed or embarrassed when these things happen. From weather woes to general inconveniences, these 11 things that make all Chicagoans uncomfortable are universal for city dwellers. Read on and unite with your neighbors who have been through all these moments too.
It can be really disappointing to try going out to your favorite Chicago restaurant on a Saturday night and discovering that it's all booked up for the night or that you'll have to wait over an hour. Some people are willing to do this, but it can be awkward waiting around a lobby for that long.
Most people who live in Chicago will ask which neighborhood a person is from when they say they live in city. If they answer with something like Schaumburg, Evanston, or Naperville... they aren't really from Chicago.
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Weather creates so many awkward moments in Chicago. It's wise to check the temperature before heading out, but even then, depending on the wind and if the sun is out or not, 50 degrees can feel like winter or spring.
Conversely, there are those days you go out thinking it won't be too cold and quickly regret not wearing that heavier coat. To avoid this, many keep an extra sweater in their car or backpack.
While many Chicagoans take "dibs" very seriously, there are those who don't care about the hard work someone went through to shovel snow off the road. Nothing is more shameful than coming home to find your street spot taken.
This is especially bothersome when you're on your way to work (which is when it always happens, right?). Some days you can depend on it being late, but there are times when the bus is on schedule.
Whether it's someone asking to use your Ventra card or looking for a couple bucks for coffee, it's always uncomfortable to turn someone away who seems in need. Even if it's just because you don't have any cash on you, it can cause some guilty feelings.
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Is anyone moving? When all lanes are stopped or going at the exact same speed, it can seem like you're not getting anywhere. Just don't be that person that drives on the shoulder to get ahead.
This actually creates many awkward moments. For instance, sometimes it storms so bad that they have to cancel part of a day and send people home. It's very difficult to leave a show you paid over $300 to see. On the other hand, it also creates a hazardous (or fun, depending on how you look at it) environment of slippery grass and mud pits.
Whether it's a block party, music festival, or carnival, Chicago is notorious for shutting down its streets for celebrations, especially during summer. It can be a pain if you are looking for a place to park and have to go a couple streets over, and even more annoying when you simply want to get to your door.
Chicagoans are proud of their state and hate when people say the name wrong. It's bad enough that many people can't pronounce Berwyn, Paulina, and Goethe, but Illinois should be an easy one.
If you’re a true Chicago native, check out nine underrated attractions in the city you may not know about.
What other awkward moments do you experience often in the city? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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