Growing up in New Jersey is one thing, but growing up in North Jersey is a whole other story. You can easily distinguish yourself from the people who live in South Jersey and Central Jersey (if it even exists). Here's a list of 10 things that are too obvious about you.
1. You pride yourself on the best bagels and pizza around.
You boast endlessly about the fact that your bagels and pizza taste better than anything else anyone has ever eaten. You'll make everyone try your favorites from home and be very disappointed when they don't see what all the hype was about.
2. Taylor ham, egg and cheese.
Pork roll does not exist. It's called Taylor ham and anyone who denies this clearly doesn't know what a good breakfast sandwich tastes like. Also, nobody will know you're home if you don't post at least one picture of your Taylor ham, egg and cheese on a roll to at least one social media platform (Snapchat is a favorite).
3. Sports rivalries are real.
Living in an area that's close to a big city means that people are going to have opposing views on sports teams. Whether you grew up worshiping the native Jersey teams or the neighboring New York teams, the Rangers will always be better than the Devils. You could never run out of people to argue with on this topic.
4. Diners are always there for you.
When you want to do something with your life, the diner will always be open for you. Cheap food can be the best thing that'll ever happen to you, whether it's at 3 a.m., noon or 8 p.m. Also, if you're ever feeling a high school reunion, the diner will surely supply you with people that you know and probably never want to see again.
5. You have an accent.
You will never realize this until you live somewhere other than New Jersey/New York, but growing up so close to New York has impacted the way you pronounce certain things. People will never understand your love for "cawfee" or your "dawg" back home, but that's OK because at least we don't have to root for the Red Sahx or shop at the groshery store.
6. The mall can be your best friend.
Have nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon? Need a last minute gift? Pick a mall. There's at least three within close distance to you at all times, so you're bound to find a good sale or two. Also, if you're impacted by the blue law, the malls just over the border are easy to get to and full of procrastinating New Jersey residents like yourself.
7. You're the best driver.
Seriously, anyone who isn't from New Jersey can't drive. The problem we face most often in North Jersey is the amount of New York drivers that invade our territory. They're clueless as to what's going on and hesitant to drive. If you're really thinking about going 25 mph in the school zone when no children are present, you might as well take a different route. Also, don't stop at a yellow light. The yellow means speed up and make the light, not sit and wait for it to turn red.
8. Your summer consists of at least one trip to the shore.
Whether you're hitting up Point Pleasant for the day or spending a weekend in "sleazeside," your summer wouldn't be complete without at least one trip to the shore with your friends. Also, you know at least three people that own a house down the shore.
9. Dunkin Donuts has the best coffee.
Never let anyone tell you that Wawa coffee is better than Dunkin coffee. Sure, Wawa is better than 7/11 -- I'll give them that -- but nothing compares to a large Dunkin caramel iced coffee. You could drink that stuff any day of the week, whether it's a warm summer day or frigid winter night. It always hits the spot.
10. You have a great sense of pride.
Basically, if you're not from North Jersey, you're doing it wrong.
