The Drawn-Out 'Midwest Goodbye' Ritual

Lingering at the door, resisting leftovers, and one more story - the cultural tradition of long farewells in the heartland.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:21pm

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The 'Midwest goodbye,' sometimes called the 'Minnesota goodbye' or 'Wisconsin goodbye,' is a drawn-out farewell ritual common across the Midwest region of the United States. It involves a prolonged process of hugs, small talk, and repeated attempts to exit even as leftovers are pushed on the person heading out, often continuing all the way to the driveway or even after the car is started.

Why it matters

The Midwest goodbye reflects a cultural tradition of generous hosting and hospitality in the region, where exiting a social gathering is seen as a sign of respect and appreciation for the time spent together. While it can be 'rather exhausting' for those unfamiliar with the ritual, it is viewed as the 'purest sign of comfort, enjoyment and care' when it comes to departing a social setting.

The details

The Midwest goodbye often begins with a knee slap and the phrase 'Welp, I s'pose' to signal one is about to leave. From there, the process can drag on as guests stand up, search for their coats, exchange hugs, and get pulled back into the conversation. Even reaching the door doesn't guarantee an exit, as conversations can continue in the driveway or after the car is started. Comedian Charlie Berens has popularized the ritual, joking that 'whatever you do, don't roll down your window' to avoid being drawn back in.

  • The Midwest goodbye tradition has been observed for decades across the Midwest region of the United States.
  • In a recent Reddit discussion, a commenter described a Midwest goodbye that lasted from 11:50 a.m. until the end of a Packers game.

The players

Charlie Berens

A comedian who has popularized the Midwest goodbye ritual through his comedy specials.

Richie Frieman

A Baltimore-based author and etiquette expert known as the 'Modern Manners Guy' who has commented on the Midwest goodbye tradition.

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What they’re saying

“The Midwest goodbye is the purest sign of comfort, enjoyment and care when it comes to exiting a social setting.”

— Richie Frieman, Etiquette Expert

“One does not simply cut off a Midwest goodbye. The only way out is through.”

— Anonymous Reddit User

The takeaway

The Midwest goodbye is a cultural tradition that reflects the region's values of hospitality and appreciation for time spent together. While it can be time-consuming for those unfamiliar with the ritual, it is seen as a sincere way to show respect and care when departing a social gathering.