As an Italian American, I proudly own all of the stereotypes that my family fits into. My grandmother always fed me too much, my family is way louder than most, and we all talk with our hands. Here is a list of all things that all Italians know to be true.
1. Your family is huge.
You aren't totally sure whose kid is whose or if that person is your first or second cousin, but it doesn't matter. Family is family.
2. There is no such thing as an empty stomach at grandma's house (commonly referred to as Nana, Nona, or Nonna).
"Did you already eat?" she asks you whenever you see her. Well, it doesn't matter how you respond because she is already making you a meal as she asks you this. Whenever you see her she forces you to "manjia manjia" (eat eat).
3. Your last name has an unusual amount of vowels in it.
Maybe some As, Us, and Es -- but definitely some Os or Is.
4. You have lasagna at every holiday.
Turkey on Thanksgiving? Maybe. Lasagna on Thanksgiving? Definitely.
5. You have been hit, as well as hit someone else, during an intense conversation.
Not on purpose, of course. Your hands just move when you talk and sometimes you can't control who accidentally gets bopped in the face (it's not your fault that they were standing too close).
6. Countless people have asked if you are affiliated with the Mafia and you always answer with no...
But your cousin's friend's cousin knows a guy. What kind of guy? You never asked for details.
7. You know better than to touch the sauce before it's done being cooked.
Do you want grandma to hit your hand with the wooden spoon as you go to take a taste? No? Then stay away from the sauce until she pours it on your lasagna and meatballs.
8. You don't understand families who don't hug (and give cheek kisses).
Unless you somehow snuck through the back door and nobody noticed -- you knew you had to give everyone a hug and a kiss on each cheek when you got home.
9. You are used to having pasta at least once a day.
After all, it is a food group -- isn't it?
10. Family is family.
You can mess with your family and tease them but if anybody else does -- well, they'll be sorry they messed with an Italian.
