1) Ventura is your go-to hangout
Although "Ventura" is super vague, pretty much all of your friends know exactly what you mean when you say you want to "go to Ventura" - even though you could be referring to the boulevard anywhere from Calabasas to Studio City. But of course, everyone knows you're referring to the plethora of eateries and shops in Sherman Oaks and Studio City.
2) Crave is your late-night spot
Crave Cafe is pretty much the only place open after midnight where you can have a good sit-down meal. The only downside is that you'll always see someone you know. Or someone you've stalked on Instagram. Oh and I'm talking about the one on Ventura and Van Nuys, of course.
3) The four L's: "like, literally, low-key, and love"
You can't like even say like a whole sentence without saying "like" like every few words. The worst part is, like, you don't even like notice it! Literally, it's so bad. For some reason, you're like uber worried that people will think that you're like speaking figuratively, so you like just HAVE to say "literally" before every statement so people know you're like serious. Also, everything is low-key. Why? Who knows. You could be stating the most obvious fact, like that it's sunny outside, and still say "It's low-key sunny." We just have to stay cool by keeping things low-key. Your immediate reaction to a cute insta post is "LOVE." That's it. What exactly do you love? Doesn't matter, you just love.
4) You don't know what rain is
A light drizzle for 15 minutes is a miracle in the valley. It's like Christmas coming early. It also means you need to drive extra carefully and pull out your dusty umbrella from the back of your closet.
5) The West Side and beach are always too far
The 405 is always bad during prime beach hours, and you don't really live that close to the beach, so when you go, it's an all-day affair. Unless of course, you're a devoted beach-lover like myself, and drive down the traffic-free 405 at night.
6) You see celebrities and don't freak out
You probably even went to school with someone who's been in a movie or a commercial. It's no big deal. You want them to know you're a cool L.A. local though, so you don't even ask for a picture. Even though you really want one.
7) The Galleria was your middle school stomping grounds
You've definitely been on at least one date here. Probably dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and then a movie at the Arclight. If not here, definitely the AMC and the Topanga Mall.
8) You think airplanes are stars
There's so much smog in the valley that stars are a rare sight. I always think I see a million stars...but they move pretty fast...and then I realize that they're just planes.
9) You have multiple friends who model
Whether they're signed to Ford, Wilhemina, or IMG...or even just set up their own photoshoots...you know people who model - or "model." They also get super high-quality photos.
10) You "hike"
Your version of a hike is an hour walking through Fryman Canyon.
11) You rep the 818
This area code defines you. No matter how far away you stray, the valley made you who you are today.
