In my 20 years on this earth, I have never lived north of L.A. County. Throughout high school I spent my time in Orange County, and then I moved to San Diego for college. Now, studying in Florence, I didn’t think I was much different from the other American students at my university at first. I found it strange that Italian men would yell “California girl” to me in the streets, but I assumed it was simply a coincidence. I only began to question things when my peers from the east coast asked if I was from “Cali.” How could they tell?

1. Language

“I literally have no idea how like everyone knows I’m from Southern California! Like seriously how!”

2. Craving for Mexican Food

Low quality tacos and burritos simply won’t cut it.

3. Longing for Avocados

I haven’t had an avocado in over a month and it’s really starting to affect my personal life.

4. Questionable Outfits

My weather app said 75 degrees was the high so I wore shorts, not thinking it would be 50 degrees in the morning for my 8 A.M.

5. Getting Excited Over Rain

Considering there is a huge drought in California, even a slight rainfall can make me happy.

6. In N Out

You worship this place and nowhere else can ever compare.

7. Lack of Experience with the Cold

It’s only the beginning of October and the weather is already dropping to low 60’s. Shouldn’t it still be in at least the 70’s? I’m already wearing my warmest clothes and it’s barely fall.

8. Not Appreciating the Proximity of the Beach

I never knew what it was like to not have the beach a short drive away, and I missed going when it was unbearably hot a month ago.

9. Having a Love for Disneyland

We practically grew up here!

10. Constantly Talking about the Freeway System

Everyone knows the 405 is absolutely horrible, and don’t even think about leaving Newport on the 55 near 5 P.M. In just Southern California alone, there are way too many freeways filled with way too many cars driven by people who don’t know how to drive. Oh, and never call it the I-101. It’s the 101.