Dating someone from Cleveland is a lot like dating anyone else in the world: be polite, be gentle, and be yourself. But Clevelanders have a wide array of unique personality quirks and other things that make the dating experience just a little different. Here are nine things you should definitely keep in mind before your first date with a dyed-in-the-wool Clevelander.
- Clevelanders are honest, dependable, and loyal.
Flickr/Yoel Ben-Avraham A person’s greatest strength is their character, and Clevelanders certainly have plenty of that. We’re raised to be the best we can be and treat strangers like old friends. A bond with a Clevelander is a bond for life.
- A Clevelander might choose the Browns over you sometimes.
Flickr/Erik Drost All that said, some things just take precedence in the life of a true Clevelander. If there ever comes a day when the Browns make the playoffs, don’t expect to hear from your date again until February.
- A date with a Clevelander means an unforgettable night.
Flickr/loudigi In Cleveland, we pride ourselves on the ability to have a good time. The vibrant, always-exciting nightlife of downtown Cleveland’s clubs, bars and restaurants makes for a night on the town you won’t soon forget. Just try to keep up.
- Clevelanders have a taste for the finer things.
Flickr/Erik Drost Of course, not everything is high-speed hustle and bustle in Cleveland. We know how to take things slow and appreciate the beautiful moments in life, and this is most obvious in our thriving arts community. A date to Playhouse Square to take in some highbrow theater shows just how fancy we can be.
- A dinner date in Cleveland can get a little messy.
Flickr/stu_spivack Cleveland is a foodie town, boasting a wide array of exquisite restaurants catering to every possible taste. But for every delicious, extravagant pasta place in Little Italy, there is an amazing hole-in-the-wall eatery down the street slinging out hot, messy Polish Boys. You’ll just have to trust us when we say that Cleveland food is an acquired taste.
- Clevelanders are always ready to explore the great outdoors.
Flickr/Erik Drost City life can get stuffy as the temperature rises, and there’s no better way to alleviate the stifling nature of the concrete jungle than with an afternoon exploring the Cleveland Metroparks system. A love for the great outdoors is an absolute must if you’re going to go out with a Clevelander.
- Don’t make plans on Opening Day.
Flickr/Erik Drost An undying love for the Indians is practically a prerequisite for living in Cleveland. Our passion for the team reaches a fever pitch every April, when fans pack The Jack to the gills to root for the Windians. You’re welcome to tag along; just don’t come in wearing Pirates gear.
- Clevelanders like to drink local.
Flickr/Erik Drost Planning on taking a Clevelander out for drinks? Don’t be surprised if they refuse the cocktails and the wine for an ice cold local beer. Our breweries are among the city’s best exports, and we relish every opportunity to try a new local brew or revisit an old favorite.
- Clevelanders are proud of their hometown.
Flickr/Erik Drost Leave all your barbs about Cleveland at the door, because a true Clevelander doesn’t take kindly to insults against the best city in America. That said, we’re not above voicing our grievances about the traffic, the weather, the Browns, or whatever else comes up.
Know of any other important tips for dating a Clevelander? Let us know in the comments.
Flickr/Yoel Ben-Avraham
A person’s greatest strength is their character, and Clevelanders certainly have plenty of that. We’re raised to be the best we can be and treat strangers like old friends. A bond with a Clevelander is a bond for life.
Flickr/Erik Drost
All that said, some things just take precedence in the life of a true Clevelander. If there ever comes a day when the Browns make the playoffs, don’t expect to hear from your date again until February.
Flickr/loudigi
In Cleveland, we pride ourselves on the ability to have a good time. The vibrant, always-exciting nightlife of downtown Cleveland’s clubs, bars and restaurants makes for a night on the town you won’t soon forget. Just try to keep up.
Of course, not everything is high-speed hustle and bustle in Cleveland. We know how to take things slow and appreciate the beautiful moments in life, and this is most obvious in our thriving arts community. A date to Playhouse Square to take in some highbrow theater shows just how fancy we can be.
Flickr/stu_spivack
Cleveland is a foodie town, boasting a wide array of exquisite restaurants catering to every possible taste. But for every delicious, extravagant pasta place in Little Italy, there is an amazing hole-in-the-wall eatery down the street slinging out hot, messy Polish Boys. You’ll just have to trust us when we say that Cleveland food is an acquired taste.
City life can get stuffy as the temperature rises, and there’s no better way to alleviate the stifling nature of the concrete jungle than with an afternoon exploring the Cleveland Metroparks system. A love for the great outdoors is an absolute must if you’re going to go out with a Clevelander.
An undying love for the Indians is practically a prerequisite for living in Cleveland. Our passion for the team reaches a fever pitch every April, when fans pack The Jack to the gills to root for the Windians. You’re welcome to tag along; just don’t come in wearing Pirates gear.
Planning on taking a Clevelander out for drinks? Don’t be surprised if they refuse the cocktails and the wine for an ice cold local beer. Our breweries are among the city’s best exports, and we relish every opportunity to try a new local brew or revisit an old favorite.
Leave all your barbs about Cleveland at the door, because a true Clevelander doesn’t take kindly to insults against the best city in America. That said, we’re not above voicing our grievances about the traffic, the weather, the Browns, or whatever else comes up.
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