Mainers on Reddit Say You’re not Really from Maine Until…

I've lived here my whole life.

With the exception of a brief pitstop in Keene, NH in my early 20's, I've never lived anywhere but Maine. Nor do I really want to. I've visited plenty of other places, and the #1 takeaway I always have is that Maine rules. Barring recent events in Lewiston, Maine has always been considered an extremely safe state on every level.

No real natural disasters, no animals that are out to do you in for the most part. So ultimately, I'll never leave. But there's always a lot of serious debate about when you actually "become" a real Mainer. Obviously, you get a pass if you're born here, but how do you overcome that barrier?

Reddit had several answers, of which I curated the finest.

Mainers have always taken great pride in our traditions, and I guess that's why we'd take any real issue with a new resident just automatically claiming they're part of the fabric of our great state. You can't just move to Maine, especially if you're from outside New England, and just jump right in. There's a probationary period. Look for yourself.

You have to endure certain hardships. Like, it's ok to hate winter, but not if you're from Florida and just moved to Maine. You have to earn the right to bitch about snow. You have to display a certain willingness to defy nature. For instance, shorts are always semi-acceptable winter wear. You may get a funny look, but no one will be shocked.

Look, we're a blue-collar, hardworking state that's set in our ways. You wanna be a Mainer? Fine. But be prepared to earn your stripes. The Pine Tree State will always prove worthy, if you're willing to join us on our terms. So let's explore what a new Mainer might have to endure to become a "true" Mainer.