How Long Does It Take To Become A True North Dakotan?

First of all, what does that mean to you- "A True North Dakotan"

I realize there are several factors involved  - for some people, only someone who is born in NORTH DAKOTA can be eligible - I'm from California, and before I moved out here, the very first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the words "North Dakota" is the weather, and I'm quite sure people around the country have thought the very same thing.

Not everyone can take it out here, and that's to be understood

I'm not going to write an article on the pros and cons of living here - most of us who have moved here from another state pretty much know what they are. North Dakotans for the most part don't judge you on "How long have you lived here?" - But I brought it up to several fellow native ND co-workers here at work, and they felt that "At least 5 years" is a good starting point. I've been here 10 - my feeling is that in that time range, you will have experienced at least one blizzard - temps below -20 and a wind chill of minus 1,000. You will know what it's like when you lose complete control of your car on an icy street -

You'll also come to experience "North Dakota Nice"

This is one of the coolest things you will eventually experience - I used to say "If you have car trouble in North Dakota, in the first 20 minutes you'll have 20 people pull over and see if you need any help - and all 20 will ask you over for dinner" That's what is called "North Dakota Nice"  - here is the thing, doesn't matter if you DO or don't have an official ND drivers license - OR how long you have called North Dakota your home - as long as feel part of the community. Make sense? Most North Dakotans accept who you are and in their mind one day you have become a North Dakotan.