After growing up in Canada my entire life, the United States surprised me in a relatively positive way. My teachers in elementary and high school used to tell me horror stories about our southern neighbors — including guns, wars and obesity problems. After entering the country, however, I found that it is not as scary and violent as I once thought.

Nevertheless, as a Canadian now living in the United States, I find it extremely difficult to make it through a single day without having some form of discussion or debate surrounding the topic of Canada. When people meet me, it seems to be the only thing they can focus on.

So, I have decided to compile a list of 13 struggles every Canadian faces when living in the United States.

1. "My friend lives in Canada! Do you know him?"

Canada is the second largest nation in the world, geographically. No, I probably have never met your friend who lives three provinces over from mine.

2. Americans are always trying to prove that the U.S. is the better country.

I was just trying to have a nice conversation. Why did you have to make this into a competition? Why are the only points you have to back up your claim, "Because it's America?"

3. "So you must really like maple syrup."

I like maple syrup just as much as the next person. No more, no less. I don't want to discuss it for 15 minutes.

4. "I've been to Canada! I went to Niagara Falls when I was four!"

That's awesome, and Niagara Falls is an important Canadian landmark...but realistically, you probably don't remember the trip and there is so much more of Canada to see.

5. Why don't you speak French?

Only 22 percent of the population actually speaks French and the vast majority of them reside in Quebec, who — fun fact — tried to secede in 1995.

6. Tries to sing the Canadian national anthem but only knows, "Oh Canada," and hums the rest.

Alright, I appreciate the effort, I do. But once you mess it up once, please don't try again. We both know you're not going to miraculously remember the rest.

7. When Americans use "eh" incorrectly in an attempt to make fun of you.

If you're going to make fun of me, then please do it correctly. On a very fundamental level, "eh" is used to ask someone if they agree with you.

8. "It must suck not having real bacon at home."

Yes, we have real bacon. Also, Canadian bacon is more commonly referred to as peameal bacon.

9. "Canada doesn't really count as another country. You're basically the same as America."

Please. Never say that to me again.

10. "You guys think you're so great because you have free health care."

Yes, I can 100 percent agree with that statement.