When you're from Cleveland, you are aware that you're a different breed. People from Cleveland can easily identify fellow Clevelanders, even when we aren't in Ohio! We have a certain air about us that can't be matched by other cities.
Outsiders don't, won't and can't understand us. With that said, here are 10 ways you know you and other people are from Cleveland:
1. You are completely unfazed by traffic jams.
Except when you're on I-90 leaving downtown at 5 p.m. or on I-90 heading to downtown at 7 a.m.You know you're not going to be getting home or to work on time. Might as well take a nap because you're not going to merge anytime soon.
2. You have unending faith in the Browns.
For some reason, even though you know the Browns really aren't that great, you will still be up at all hours of the morning and night at the Muni Lot tailgating with other fans.
3. Cedar Point is our diamond in the rough.
You always use Cedar Point as a good counterpoint to Cleveland haters. The Millennium Force, The Top Thrill Dragster, The Maverick and The Gemini...you can always find a good time at America's Rollercoaster.
4. You can navigate The Westside Market like a pro.
It's not just a tourist spot for you. It's right there on W. 25 and surrounding many businesses and public transit spots -- so it's more like a fresh and local option for a fresh lunch, local coffee, bread, meat and fruits!
5. You still find yourself referring to The Q as "The Gund Arena" and Progressive Field as "Jacob's Field."
Trust me -- it's not a mental slip. It will never be The Q or Progressive Field no matter who owns the property. Never.
6. You break out the shorts and flip flops in March-- but it's 40 degrees.
Moral of the story here is...40 degrees is considered warm for you. The moment it starts to warm up even a little bit in Cleveland, you start seeing everyone's legs and toes -- no matter what month or season it is.
7. You skipped class during high school for nothing other than the St. Patty's Day Parade.
Most of your friends weren't even Irish, but that didn't matter. Everyone in Cleveland is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. AND...you all took the Rapid downtown from school.
8. You get personally offended when people from Parma, Lakewood and North Olmstead act like they are from Cleveland.
Let's get this clear: you're from a Cleveland SUBURB. That's very different from being from the city. But we natives understand why they try to front so much -- Cleveland is great. Still though, you're not from Cleveland.
9. You don't bat an eye to Christmas lights all year around.
It's not like people from Cleveland are overly into Christmas or anything. Most of the time, we just can't be bothered to take down the decorations. Our winters go on for so long, it just makes more sense to just keep the decorations up.
10. You talk down on Cleveland all the time. But only Clevelanders are ALLOWED to talk down on Cleveland.
It's kind of like when someone bullies your sibling -- only you are allowed to bully them. IT COMES FROM A PLACE OF LOVE.
