Did Experts Prove That Iowa Is the Rudest State in America?

First things first...

I believe the people here in Iowa are some of the kindest people I have ever met.

When I first moved out to the Midwest three years ago, I noticed how polite random strangers really could be. I could be sitting at a crowded bar by myself, and someone would strike up a friendly conversation with me.

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I've met people here who would literally give you the shirt off of your back. I remember my very first Easter here, I was invited to my boss's in-laws house for a Saturday family get together.

They let me share a meal with them, gave me plenty to drink, and just welcomed me into the family.

I was treated like a long-lost member of the family.

However, there was one thing that I did notice that seemed a bit strange about every Midwesterner I met. They had a very particular way of giving compliments.

Midwestern Compliments Are...Different

Whenever you compliment a Midwesterner, the conversation will go like this...

"Hey! I really like your shoes!"

"Thanks! I got them for ten bucks at Target!"

Iowans will ALWAYS bring up either how much the item you complimented them on cost or just where they got it.

Are Iowans the Worst at Giving Compliments?

According to a study from Preply, giving compliments is uncomfortable for 43% of Americans. In the same vein, 70% of Americans report feeling uncomfortable receiving compliments.

In my opinion, giving compliments is a sort of social currency. I believe people are much nicer if they compliment me or return a compliment I give them.

If your response to a nice comment is to just move on without at least a thank you, you will come off as a million times ruder.

If you want to up your confidence and are looking to drown in compliments, make sure you stop in Wisconsin, Florida, or North Carolina. Those are the states that are the best of giving compliments!

Where Does Iowa Fall?

The Hawkeye State is the worst state in the entire country when it comes to giving compliments and the third worst state at receiving them.

Iowa is the top state at giving a compliment even if it's not meant! We are also the top state when it comes to being too shy to compliment someone else.

In addition, if you're looking to butter up an Iowan with some quality compliments, make sure to comment on their intelligence. Iowans appreciate compliments about their intelligence the most out of all other compliments!

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