1. Everyone Will Tell You They Know Where To Get The Best BBQ. And They Will Be Wrong.

A man holds a plate of BBQ

Source: Iron Star Urban BBQ via Facebook

For some strange reason, everywhere you go will claim they have the best BBQ. But when you try it, you’ll laugh in their face because you know where to find the most eclectic, delicious, flavorful barbecue in the entirety of the United States. Hint: It’s in Oklahoma

2. College Football Will Never Be The Same

Three girls at a University of Oklahoma football game

Source: Oklahoma Sooners via Facebook

If you’re leaving the Sooner State, there’s no way you’re ever going to find better college football. The Oklahoma Sooners have claimed the most wins and best win percentage in the last 75 years and are, by far, the most beloved college football team of all time. So, yeah, nothing’s about to change your undying love and affection for them once you move away.

3. Your New Home Definitely Has More Flexible Liquor Laws

A man yells about drinking

Source: Giphy

Perhaps one of the only good things about leaving Oklahoma is that you will no longer have to deal with those pesky liquor laws, like the law that requires liquor stores be closed on Sunday (buzzkill) or the law that states only liquor stores are allowed to sell beer that’s over 3.2 percent alcohol, meaning the beers at the grocery stores and gas stations in Oklahoma are always incredibly watered down.

4. People Will Take “Bless Your Heart” As A Compliment

A woman says Bless Your Heart

Source: BuzzFeed

When you’re in Oklahoma and you say “bless your heart” to someone, that person knows just as well as you do that you just dissed them. But if you use this expression anywhere else, people will think you’re actually being nice…

5. Billboards Won’t Make You Feel Damned Anymore

A billboard about going to Hell

Source: Flickr user wfryer

Now that you’ve moved, you may notice the billboards treat you a little bit nicer. It’s no secret that Oklahoma has some pretty intense billboards aimed at convincing you that you’re a heathen. Worry not: now you’ll just have billboards trying to sell you fast food instead of trying to sell you “get out of hell free” cards.

6. You’re Definitely Going To Miss Deep-Fried Everything

Deep fried foods on sticks

Source: Oklahoma State Fair via Facebook

Oklahoma’s affinity for fried things is, unfortunately, not shared everywhere else in the world. So say goodbye to fried gummy bears, fried butter, fried Twinkies, and fried Oreos. Well, that is until you see them all again when you go home for the Oklahoma State Fair.

7. But Especially Chicken Fried Steak

A chicken fried steak

Source: Flickr user Ben

Of all the fried things in the world, chicken fried steak is by far the yummiest. If you’re leaving Oklahoma, you’ll be dreaming about chicken fried steak for months.

8. And When You Talk About Calf Fries, Everyone Will Look At You Funny

A basket of calf fries

Source: Flickr user jancko

You’re probably not gonna be eating as many calf fries, aka deep fried bull testicles, once you leave the Sooner State. Just let all of your new friends know they really shouldn’t knock it until they try it.

9. No Other Gas Station Will Ever Compare To QuikTrip

Two people with sparklers

Source: QuikTrip via Facebook

When you move, one of the first things you’ll miss is QuikTrip. All of those other gas stations just cannot compare…

10. And You Won’t Understand Why There Aren’t Sonics All Around You Anymore

Two guys at a Sonic

Source: Sonic Drive-In via Facebook

Sonics should just be on every corner, everywhere. It’s super unfortunate that this is not the case.

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11. You’re Going To Miss Country Music

Carrie Underwood on stage

Source: Flickr user cmgooney9

Oklahoma has, hands down, the best country music scene. And it’s no surprise seeing as famous country singers like Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and Reba, along with many others, are all from Oklahoma. Yeah, you’ll still have your iPod in your new place but it won’t be anything like that time you heard Garth Brooks live.

12. You’ll Have To Get Used To Not Experiencing All Four Seasons In One Day

A stormy sky

Source: Flickr user jonathan w

It’s a known fact that Oklahoma regularly experiences all four seasons in one day—you’ll have sunshine in the morning, rain in the afternoon, snow at night, and a tornado every now and again. Needless to say, you’re going to have to get used to some “regular” seasons now that you’re no longer in Oklahoma.

13. You’ll Laugh Hysterically When People Talk About How Bad The “Storm” Is

A tornado

Source: Flickr user NOAA Photo Library

Wherever you move, people will inevitably complain about the weather and about how “bad” a storm is. But you know for a fact that they have NOT seen a storm until they’ve seen an Oklahoma storm. Once you sit on your front porch and watch a tornado in the distance, you definitely don’t think a little drizzle should qualify as a “storm”.

14. You Will Meet People Who Are Actually Afraid Of Snakes

A man holds a snake

Source: Flickr user The othEr Paper

In Oklahoma, you catch snakes and you eat snakes. But you certainly don’t fear them. Just tell this to all of your new friends and see how they react…

15. Those Animals You Grew Up Calling Bison Will Now Incorrectly Be Called Buffalo

A buffalo

Source: Flickr user lsmith

For some god awful reason, the rest of the world thinks bison are buffalo. And you’re going to have to get used to this, unfortunately.

16. No One Will Ever Understand How Much You Miss The Rodeo

A cowboy on a bucking bronco

Source: Wikimedia user Public Domain

The joy and wonder of going to a rodeo is just not something people from elsewhere can really understand. So when you leave Oklahoma and talk about how much you miss going to the rodeo, be prepared to get some strange glances.

17. When You Ask For A Coke, You’re Going To Get A Coca-Cola

A light up Cola bottle statue

Source: Flickr user W Fryer

For some odd reason, when people outside of Oklahoma refer to “Coke” they actually mean “Coca-Cola” (when, clearly, “Coke” is just the right word for soda….duh) Unfortunately, if you want a Sprite, Fanta, Dr. Pepper, or any other soft drink, you’ve gotta be specific.

18. You’ll Start Sighing Deeply Whenever You Think Of Catfish

A woman holds a fish

Source: Flickr user Thomas And Dianne Jones

Why, oh why, can’t catfish be as good everywhere else as it is in Oklahoma? The answer is that Oklahoma just has the best darn catfish in the world. You’re just gonna have to get used to eating sub-par fish from now on.

19. No One Will Know Who Will Rogers Is, And It Will Break Your Heart

An empty courtyard

Source: Flickr user akaspread

“Oklahoma’s Favorite Son” Will Rogers, the cowboy, vaudeville performer, and actor, is unfortunately not as well-known outside of the state. You’ll find yourself telling people who he is more than you’ll find yourself meeting people who already know.

20. You’ll Have To Get Used To Seeing Waaaay More People

A gif from The Office

Source: funnyjunk.com

It’s no secret that Oklahoma does not have a very large population. It’s mostly filled with small towns and big open spaces. So when you leave Oklahoma, brace yourself for the reality of overpopulation to hit you all at once.

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21. And Not All Of Those People Will Want To Be Best Friends

Two pigs

Source: Oklahoma State Fair via Facebook

Shockingly, not everyone is as friendly as they are in Oklahoma. When you grow up in Oklahoma, you’re taught to smile (and even speak to) strangers when you pass by them on the street and you should always, always lend a helping hand to someone in need, even if you don’t know them. The rest of the world? Not as friendly. Sorry to burst the friendship bubble.

22. Brace Yourself: Traffic Is Coming

Cars drive on a round-about

Source: alchemygb.co.uk

If you’ve lived in Oklahoma your whole life, this phenomenon called traffic is about to ruin your life. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

23. The Sky Will Seem A Little Smaller Than You’re Used To

A sunset sky

Source: Flickr user lsmith2010

It’s a known fact that the sky looks bigger in Oklahoma. There is just SO much of it, ALL of the time. Since most “cities” are really just small towns, and since there is not a lot of light pollution, the sky is always big and clear. This will be one of the first things you notice when you leave: the sky will never feel as big as it does back home.

24. And The Stars Will Never Be As Bright

A country road at night

Source: flickr user Kurt Steiss

With all of those wide open spaces and that ginormous Oklahoma sky, the stars are always epic. You’re guaranteed to see a shooting star every couple of minutes. This is NOT the case outside of Oklahoma. Sigh.

25. Not Everyone Understands The Necessity Of Wearing Cowboy Boots Everyday

Two cowboys on horses

Source: Facebook user Tener’s Boots

You have a pair of cowboy boots for literally every occasion. And so should everybody else. After all, why wouldn’t you? They are literally the most practical shoe…. even if no one else in your new town feels that way.

26. And Some People Might Laugh At Your Belt Buckle Collection

A sassy cowboy sign

Source: Flickr user Wfryer

It is 100 percent acceptable to have a cherished belt buckle collection. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise!

27. No Matter What City You’re Near, It’ll Never Compare To “The City”

A view of the city

Source: Facebook user The City Of Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, “The City” is Oklahoma City. Wherever you move, however, probably has a place they call “the city” as well. Regardless, whenever you hear someone say they’re going to “the city”, you’re first instinct will be to assume they’re on the way to Oklahoma City!

28. When Someone Says “Sooner” Your Ears Will Perk Up, Only To Realize They Mean “Rather Than Later”

Oklahoma Sooners football team runs onto the field

Source: Wikimedia

You can’t hear the word “Sooner” and not think of your beloved home state. Therefore, whenever someone uses the word not in reference to Oklahoma, you are bound to feel an inevitable tug at your heart strings.

29. No Where Else In The World Has Better Roadside Attractions

A whale waterslid

Source: Flickr user Doug Wertman

Oklahoma is home to SO many roadside attractions (which makes sense given that there are over 400 miles of the original Route 66 located in Oklahoma). No matter where you road trip to or where you end up, nothing will ever beat the roadside attractions you grew up with in Oklahoma, like the Catoosa Blue Whale Waterslide.

30. You’ll Never Find A Better Place To Live Than Oklahoma

A person in a canoe on a lake

Source: Flickr user Thomas and Dianne Jones

Listen, we understand you had to go. But—just so you know—you’re really never going to find a better place to live than the Sooner State. With some many wide open spaces, gorgeous cities and towns, lots of natural beauty to explore, incredible food, and friendly people, you’re bound to miss Oklahoma eternally.
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