This is Wyoming. act accordingly

There is a local restaurant that frequently uses the motto: “This is Wyoming. Act accordingly.”

While I find that exceedingly amusing, I got to thinking about what exactly that entails.

Following is the long version of what I think that saying really means … or should mean anyway.

Please note that this in no way represents the intent or meaning the eatery in question possibly intended.

Here we go:

Honesty

I find Wyomingonians respond better to brutal honesty than a half truth. Sometimes the truth hurts, but trying not to be brutal about it helps, too.

Common Sense

Try to have some. We know it is hard. When you mess that up, let us know where you are from and we’ll try to forgive you. Also, I believe common sense can be learned. If you bang your head against your own particular wall long enough, you will eventually learn not to do that any more. At least not that way. Folks out west have banged their heads against survival walls long enough (It really can be a tough country) that either the common sense is learned or passed along. If someone tries to tell you how you should be doing something, it is usually a good idea to at least lend an ear to it.

Be Kind

Kindness goes a long way not only in Wyoming as a whole, but especially in smaller towns (which comprise most of the West).

No Rudeness

Being rude will get you shunned very quickly—Don’t do it!

Keep it to Yourself

We do not give a flying Jackalope how you did it back home. Again, keep it to yourself.

Try to

fit in

If you decide to move out West, at least give hunting, fishing, floating, skiing and snowshoeing a try. You may hate all of them—but at least you will end up with a story or two that is relatable.

Be Patient

Things move at a slower pace here and we like it that way. Don’t worry … you will make that time up not sitting in traffic or walking straight to the front of no line at the DMV.

No Whining

We occasionally do it, too (I may get hung for saying that), but it doesn’t help us either. And really … nobody likes a whiner.

Take a Breath

We have clean air here (unless you are near a refinery) —make use of it. Enjoy the scenery also comes under this heading. The West is full of natural beauty … take a second or two to absorb some of it every once in a while. I, myself, am in a pretty continuous state of awe at our surroundings.

Help the other guy

(or gal) out

This one is simple. If you see someone in distress, help. I have had people stop to pull me out of a snowbank and I have done the same for a guy who went off the road when there was nobody around—or coming anytime soon. I bent my Jeep’s bumper a little doing it, but it feels good to give someone else a hand. That experience might just stick with the person you are helping and make them want to help out the next person. Let’s just call it the anti-vicious cycle.

Don’t Burn Bridges

It is very hard to do a U-Turn once you have burnt a bridge behind you. You can get all kinds of flustered at someone, just don’t make that “over the line” comment or take that radical action. You never know when that person will end up holding your puppet strings later. Also, as mentioned earlier, small towns make up a lot of the West in general and the person you just said “goodbye forever” to may be related to a whole passel of folks who may be in a position to pay you back on their behalf. Heck, they may even have friends who will get in on the payback. You can rack up a lot of enemies you may never even be consciously aware of this way.

Say ‘Hi’

Use “Hi,” “Hello,” “Greetings” or even the ubiquitous western “Howdy.” I saw a lady and her daughter heading out to the hot pool the other night as I was leaving. She had her head down and seemed to just want to get there unmolested. This is a common urban attitude and seems prudent in that setting. When I said “hello,” however, her head picked up and I was gratified to see a smile bloom on her face as she returned the reply. Honestly, this is the easiest way to make someone not familiar with our culture feel comfortable.

Apologize

Sometimes it is hard to know when you are wrong, but I bet if you really look at a situation you can find some wrong in it that is yours. I have said I am sorry for telling people where to go when they started criticizing something I was doing. The other person then apologized right back for handling the situation poorly. The upshot is that now we are closer friends—and definitely not enemies. Also, If you think you are right all the time and can’t expend the minimal amount of energy and pride it takes to say you’re sorry—you may want to stay wherever it is you are from. If you are from here and feel that way, could you take an extended vacation?

We are trying to do something here.

Do all of the above

It seems like a lot. It really isn’t and these simple suggestions will make not only you a happier person but will also make everyone around you a little cheerier too.

Remember; This is Wyoming. Act accordingly.