I walk outside a lot in the summer.Three times I’ve worn a particular dress, and every single time I’ve worn it, this has happened:
As I pass by, someone says,
“I really like your dress!”
And I reply,
“Thanks! And I got it for $17!”
Then they reply with, “Well done!” “That’s awesome!” or “Oh my gosh, love that!” One person even raised the roof.
Why do Midwesterners like to celebrate bargains they got on clothes? Why is this a thing? Why do I always say this? Am I deflecting a compliment? Do I know that they will celebrate this? Clearly, I do know it because I expect this every time.
Why is this a thing?
What a silly thing!
Oh, and it’s a super cute dress. 17 DOLLARS!
Smuggling Grace 
1. That map makes me sad.
2. I think it’s because a combination of humility and frugality. Booth Tarkington spoke of this “The Magnificent Ambersons”. The first white inhabitants to move to the Midwest had no choice but to be frugal. They were poor and far away from commerce/resupply in the East. Once the need for frugality lessened, the cultural importance of it remained.
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Ah, interesting. Makes sense.
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