Growing up as a Filipino-American has caused me to become more aware of the facets of our culture that may be similar to other Asian cultures. There are also many of these aspects of our culture that most descents can relate to that could lead to reasons why the Asian community is generally close-knit. When I was younger, I never tried to understand our culture and was guiltily ignorant of the subject. Now that I'm older and have learned the vital details, understanding these attributes has allowed me to know where I come from on a more intimate level.

Here are the 11 humorous yet cut-throat honest truths of being Asian-American:

1. Your parents never apologize.

As you grow older, you might see that their nonverbal apologies are reflected in their actions. More than likely, they might have been stubborn and prideful, but it's also helped thicken your skin for the much harsher world that awaited you.

2. You look younger than you actually are.

Let's face it. You are never going to look your actual age. But at least you will age graciously.

3. You have adopted your parents' habit of being stingy with money, but you know that they have good reasons for doing so.

4. When you were younger, your parents were extremely overprotective, especially when you wanted to hang out at your friend's house.

Your childhood may have consisted of most weekends spent with family, television, and homework. If you wanted to sleep over at your classmate's place, it was required that your parents meet them in person first. When it comes down to it, though, they just wanted you to be safe.

5. You are either really good at math or incredibly terrible.

I'm disastrous at anything that involves calculating numbers. I completely do not mind being a perfectionist in math. I had to go to summer school for it year after a year in elementary school ... let's just say the rest is history. However, over the years, I've proudly earned C averages in most of the math courses. My fellow Asian descents might think this is unacceptable, but I personally tried my best not to fail and succeeded.

6. You thought about dating that one Asian person but hesitantly erased the thought because you might just be related to him or her.

Whenever I saw that cute Asian boy walk by flipping his hair to the side, my heart beat fast for a brief second. Then, it came to an immediate halt because there was a chance that we might be related, which would have been a nightmare.

7. You're a natural overachiever.

Whenever you wanted something, you worked yourself to the bone to obtain it. Otherwise, your parents were at your heels every second of the day about it.

8. You've mentally translated the question "where are you from?" into "where are your parents from?"

Keep calm. You are completely aware of the answer they really want to hear. When you hear the ignorant comments, talk it out in a firm manner or if you're feeling bold, go ahead and let that person know how unintentionally rude they are being. There are still people out there that think questions such as this are not arrogant.

9. You're very close to your family.

You have a billion aunties, uncles, and cousins. You might not be blood related, but it is the feelings that count.

10. If you were unavoidably skinny, you might have been praised. Although, if you were even the slightest bit overweight, you were silently shamed for it with disapproving glances.

I would like to say that this is probably one of the most difficult things to go through, especially if it occurs at such a young age. It is OK if you are skinny or not. If you do have a problem with how you look, you might want to determine why that is. Whatever your reason, figure that out first, and then take it in steps. Being comfortable in your own skin should always come first.

In the words of Korean-American actress and comedian Margaret Cho:

"Being called ugly and fat and disgusting to look at from the time I could barely understand what the words meant has scarred me so deep inside that I have learned to hunt, stalk, claim, own and defend my own loveliness."

11. You wonder why there are some people in your culture that are too proud to be who they are without really knowing anything about who they are.

12. As you grow older, you realize that your parents' silence speaks volumes of how much they sacrificed for you.

Your parents have gone through an immeasurable struggle of conforming to American culture just so you could live the life you're living now. Don't let their efforts go to waste!