Midwesterners Never Met a Repair They Didn’t Try

Why Midwesterners Always Think They Can Fix It Themselves

In the Midwest, there’s a certain confidence that kicks in whenever something breaks. A door won't close properly? Easy fix. The lawn mower is making a strange noise? Probably nothing. The washing machine is acting up? How hard can it be? This confidence is admirable. It is also occasionally expensive.

It Starts With Good Intentions

Most do-it-yourself projects begin with a simple goal: save a little money and solve the problem yourself. Why call a professional when there are online videos, a toolbox in the garage, and an entire Saturday available? At first, everything seems under control. Then, if you have my luck, the project starts talking back.

Every Project Has a Turning Point

There comes a moment in nearly every DIY project when things take a turn. I love it when there are extra screws left over. Maybe the repair that was supposed to take 20 minutes is entering its third hour. Maybe you've made three trips to the hardware store and are somehow farther behind than when you started. That's when the confidence starts to fade.

The Hardware Store Is Part of the Process

Experienced Midwestern DIYers know that no project is completed in a single trip. A successful repair usually requires at least two visits to the hardware store and one phone call to someone who "knows about this stuff." It's practically tradition.

Sometimes It Actually Works

To be fair, a lot of these projects do work out. People build decks, repair appliances, fix fences, and tackle home projects every year. There’s a sense of pride that comes from solving a problem yourself. Even if the finished product isn't perfect, it feels earned.

It's a Midwest State of Mind

At its core, the do-it-yourself attitude is about self-reliance. Midwesterners tend to believe that with enough effort, a few tools, and maybe a little advice, most problems can be solved. And if not? Well, there's always next weekend. Or you make the awkward call to a professional. Usually in that order.