When you move to another city you learn about the locals, what their quirks are, etc. As a Clevelander myself, I can say for the rest of us Clevelanders that we happen to bring some good things to the table when it comes to finding a special someone. Think about these before you date a Clevelander.
1. We are passionate
Most of us Clevelanders are Browns fans. If handling a 1-15 season isn't enough to prove how passionate we are, I don't know what is. We fight and support our teams just as much as we support our partners when times are tough.
2. We are (generally) loyal.
Of course, there are always a few bad apples. Going through the "Cleveland Curse" in sports until 2016 when the Cavs won the NBA Championship, we went through a lot with our sports, but we never gave up on them just like we will never give up on you. We always support you and will be as faithful as we can.
3. We enjoy good food.
We come from an area with lots of local restaurants, markets, delis, etc. We genuinely enjoy going out to different places especially the local joints. Wanna take us to a small hole-in-the-wall in Covington? Sure. Why not? Need someone to take to Findlay Market? Let's go!
4. We will join you for a sporting event.
Honestly, we put up with the "Cleveland Curse" for a number of years. I think if that does not say enough about how much we can get into our sports, then I don't know what does. We enjoy seeing a winning team and being exposed to new ones. Even if some of us don't like sports, it's either because of a genuine disinterest or because we have not experienced the luxury of a winning football team.
5. We genuinely want to get to know your hometown.
Clevelanders are generally more open-minded in terms of an ideology (again, some not all), but we know how important community is and how much your community means to you. Show us around your hometown and places you enjoy going to. We want to make this work with you and learn more about you.
6. We are always up for a fun time.
Whether if it is a movie, dinner, concert, or some party, Clevelanders enjoy going places no matter what. Some of us, including myself, are more introverted, but as long as we feel comfortable and you give us a bit of space before hand, we can handle the more social situations.
7. We enjoy going outdoors.
Despite living in the city or suburbs, we enjoy our time with Mother Nature. Whether if it is hiking, swimming, or a walk around the trail, Clevelanders respect and enjoy the outdoors like it's their own backyard. If there is one thing a Clevelander misses about their hometown, it's being close to the lake. Take us to a park. We will certainly enjoy it.
8. We learned how not to be rude.
Let's be real: Clevelanders are not the friendliest of people. When I came down to UC for my college tour back in 2013, my parents and I were shocked by the southern hospitality. My dad was impressed with the professionalism of the UC staff and my mom enjoyed the hospitality of the wait staff and locals. We learned from the rude people who are up north. Not saying everyone is rude, but we learned how to treat people just from observing other people and their habits.
9. We can (most likely) cook you a decent meal.
Clevelanders grew up generally around home cooking. My mother cooked for me most of the week and would take me to dinner once or twice a week. Going out to dinner is nice, but there is always something about a home cooked meal that makes it even better. I am thankful I got my mom's cooking genes because everyone deserves a good meal.
10. We are genuinely quirky people.
Clevelanders have a wide variety of interests. We have particular palettes, but we are always up for going somewhere or trying something new. Wanna go to the zoo? Bring us with you. Want to go to a comic convention? Sure, why not? Need a plus one for anything? Count us in.
11. We (probably) know a thing or two about beer and wine.
Now I am not 21 so I can't say this for 100 percent certainty, but I do know that Clevelanders enjoy a good, local beer. Sure, you get some who want to drink because it's cool, but find the right Clevelander, and you will find yourself a drinking companion. Wanna check out a new brew? Take us along. Is wine more of your thing? That is also fine. We will go to a wine tasting as well.
12. We know how to defend ourselves.
Being from Cleveland comes with a sense of territory. You always want to be safe when coming form any urban area. That said, we know how to defend ourselves and keep ourselves safe when you're away. You will not have to worry about us too much. We care about you and we know how much you want us to be safe. We will always let you know when we get home because you care.
13. We know the importance of family.
Coming from close knit communities, we understand the importance of family and friends. If you want to spend time with your best friend, that is completely okay. We understand. Want to spend a night with your mom? That's even better. Spending time with family and friends is just as important as spending time with me. All of your relationships are valid.
14. We enjoy the little things.
We honestly do. Getting us something you know we will enjoy goes a long way. Not all girls just want roses or diamonds. Not all girls are created the same way. A night in with a movie and cuddles and just be the thing we need after a crazy week. It really is the little things that mean the most to us.
15. We always show our appreciation for you.
Of course, we picked you to be in our lives for a reason. You respect us enough to give us space when we need it and support when we need it to. It goes the other way around. We understand the importance of being in a relationship as being a team. We will support you and do anything we can to make it work. Give us a chance and we will always show how much you mean to us in the smallest of ways.
Dating a Clevelander is not the worst thing you can do. If anything, we are willing to go the extra mile and will always support you, especially when times may be tough. No relationship is perfect, nor is any partner. However, a Clevelander can truly see through that and see you for the person that you are.