Growing up in West Texas, there are so many relatable things that happen. From incredibly long car rides to watching tons of kids drive away from school with 4 to 5 flags on their trucks, we all know the feeling of awkward pride when we meet someone across the world that suffers the same things we did growing up.

1. Palo Duro Canyon is a weekly thing.

No matter who you are, everyone enjoys going to the canyon with their dogs and hiking their feelings away. Every weekend so many people go hike, camp or fish and take in the scenery of this beautiful destination here in Canyon, Texas.

2. It takes 2 hours to drive anywhere.

If you're driving anywhere, you come across tons of tiny little towns. But if you drive from one (large to us and small to y’all) city to another it takes at least 2 hours. Which calls for some good road trips with good friends and good throwbacks!

3. Water? Where?

We have the terrifying Lake Meredith and the private Lake Tanglewood, but other than that we have these cool things called ponds. Other than that, there is nothing. Once we all leave the state and see actual lakes and bodies of water, our jaws drop and we’re absolutely amazed.

4. Football is a religion.

Thursday and Friday nights, the entire town gathers in these large football stadiums to support their local high school teams! If the teams move past district, schools get out early and enjoy the games. Needless to say, football is huge.

5. Tex Mex is the best.

Nobody can argue. The tex mex here is the best. The fluffy tortillas, the cheese covered nachos or the delicious enchiladas can never be beaten.

6. You know mostly everyone in your town and your surrounding towns.

Thanks to sports (UIL) and few people around you, you tend to know EVERYONE's business all the time. You can't go to the mall without saying hi to every person in that entire place.

7. Dating someone a couple hours away is normal.

A couple hours is absolutely nothing. People hear about relationships in Lubbock, Claude, Dalhart, Dumas, etc. It might seem like a long distance to others, but it's nothing to us!

8. Texas and American flags are on the back of SO many trucks.

Leaving school or simply driving down the road, you're bound to see tons of big trucks with their flags and loud country music.

9. Everyone attends the big Rodeos.

Here in Amarillo, people travel from so far away just to attend the Coors Cowboy Club rodeo and many more. Many people live for this!

10. Everyone grows up supporting the same college.

Between West Texas A&M to Texas Tech, everyone hits the elementary school with their parents' alumni colors on and watches every single game.

Next time you meet someone that grew up around the same place you did, share some of the same things you noticed in West Texas. Relate that sense of pride that nobody else can feel unless they’re from that area.