Someone put the label; “Minnesota Goodbye” on a ritual that is very common in the state. Similar forms of it are practiced else where. Maybe more in rural than urban areas. It would take a lot of effort for me to try to describe it but the; “Letter of the Day” in today’s paper gives an example of it that may help some to understand the ritual.
WHEN THE FORMER SENATOR IS STANDING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY
Norm Coleman is doing the “Minnesota Goodbye.”
That’s when your last party guest is about to leave and finally go home but instead they linger by your half-opened front door to chat.
“Well it’s getting late, Norm,…Thanks for coming,…Yup, talk to you later, Norm, I’ll need to close the door now, Norm, because the cat might get out and there’s a cold draft coming in,…OK, goodbye now,…Drive home safely, Norm.”
Now your guest is in your driveway continuing to talk so loudly you’re afraid he’ll wake the neighbors. Tired and shivering by your open door, you wonder if this guy is ever going to leave and go home.
STEVE MARK, Minnetonka
WHEN THE FORMER SENATOR IS STANDING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY
Norm Coleman is doing the “Minnesota Goodbye.”
That’s when your last party guest is about to leave and finally go home but instead they linger by your half-opened front door to chat.
“Well it’s getting late, Norm,…Thanks for coming,…Yup, talk to you later, Norm, I’ll need to close the door now, Norm, because the cat might get out and there’s a cold draft coming in,…OK, goodbye now,…Drive home safely, Norm.”
Now your guest is in your driveway continuing to talk so loudly you’re afraid he’ll wake the neighbors. Tired and shivering by your open door, you wonder if this guy is ever going to leave and go home.
STEVE MARK, Minnetonka