English is my life. If it's yours too, you probably got the joke in the title of this article. As someone who will be graduating in under a month with a B.A. in English Education, I'm proud to identify as an English major, and I have certainly learned the signs for identifying those crazy, book-loving English majors.
1. You can't watch a movie without critiquing the underlying messages and symbolism.
Yes, "Inside Out" has an interesting message on the point at which some people believe life begins, and "Zootopia" certainly forces viewers to consider their preconceptions about various social groups and races.
2. You frequently correct everyone's grammar in your head (and sometimes it slips out of your mouth, too).
This makes listening to music a challenge.
3. You are decidedly #TeamOxfordComma (or maybe decidedly not).
We try not to gasp when someone doesn't have an opinion--or worse, asks, "What's that?"
4. You die a little inside when you hear someone complain about writing a five-page paper over a two-week period.
Only five pages?! How will your say everything you have to say? That's barely enough for an introduction and conclusion! (Bonus: You also probably recognize this dramatic red-braided orphan.)
5. When a (non-English) professor requires APA, you have a meltdown.
It's like you've been asked to learn a new language over night. Not happening.
6. You have a pen or highlighter in your hand any time you read out of habit.
And when your favorite book-marking pen dies, you have a moment of silence, then go to Target to find the exact same pen because reading just isn't the same without it.
7. You're a pro at navigating your university's online databases.
Why yes, I can whip up scholarly articles appear like magic! Just watch me.
8. You have a distinctive writing style.
My professors were probably sick of my devotion to the em dash.
9. While other students look forward to binge watching over the holidays, you look forward to reading books.
"The Kite Runner" was my summer vacation read, and it made me cry more than any television show I have ever watched. You may or may not have had at least one sunburn/tan in the shape of a book.
10. You're entirely too proud of your heavily annotated books.
Some call it ruining a beautiful text; I call it reading.
