Why February Is the Worst Month in the Midwest

I don't care how optimistic you are, February is the worst month in the Midwest, and that's a hill I will die on.

January has the least excuse of being new.  New year, fresh start, big energy.  February, though?  February shows up with no personality, bad vibes, and weather that feels personal.

By February, the snow isn't cute anymore.  It's gray.  It's crusty.  It's piled up in parking lots like it's never leaving.  The excitement of a "winter wonderland" is long gone and replaced with, "why does the wind hurt my face?" Every trip outside feels like a chore.  You're not dressing cute and you know it.

The cold in February hits different too.  It's not dramatic blizzard cold.  It's that sneaky, bone-chilling cold that makes you question every life choice that brought you to the Midwest.  You step outside for "just a second" and suddenly you can't feel your fingers, your nose is running, and your car is making noises it definitely didn't make in October.

It's also exhausting... mentally.  The holidays are over, there's not big to look forward to, but we do have Valentine's Day.  Even then, the Midwest Valentine's plans usually involve snow, ice, or canceling entirely.

Maybe it's just me, but my sense of time is out the door.  Every day feels the same.  It's dark when you get out of work, and somehow still freezing at noon.  You've been wearing the same coat for months, eating the same comfort foods, and rotating the same hoodie for weeks.

February is almost here.. and I'm not looking forward to it.  It's about to test the little patience I have.