Growing up in the D.C. metro area is truly a special thing... but then you visit every museum, get old enough to drive, and realize all the downsides of the city and suburbs.
Here are some things DMV natives can all relate to:
1. You know what DMV stands for.
D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you're from Colorado or Arizona, chances are you didn't know that.
2. You've never eaten at In-N-Out.
You might have had a White Castle burger because Pennsylvania is way closer than California.
3. You pretend to be excited to visit museums in D.C., but you've already seen them all.
Chances are you went on a field trip to see the history and air and space museums. Multiple times.
4. You're happy your commute is ONLY an hour.
You could live 25 miles from your job, and the shortest drive you'll have is 45 minutes. And that's without traffic. At noon. When everyone is working. Which basically means...
5. Traffic is a way of life.
D.C. and the immediate surrounding cities are overpopulated. The metro is awful, but everyone rides it anyway.
6. "Slugging" is a common way of transportation.
You show up at a commuter lot and jump in a car with at least two other strangers and hope for the best. People who aren't familiar with the concept are usually mindblown.
7. You hate any airport that isn't Dulles, Reagan, or BWI.
Maybe we're just spoiled. Maybe we haven't experienced other airports. But those of us who have still like these three the best.
8. You tell strangers you're from D.C.
Northern Virginia and the rest of Virginia are completely different, so instead of explaining, you just stick to the District. Also, let's be honest—Maryland has a bad rap... unless you're from Maryland. You freaking love it there.
9. You know Kings Dominion > Six Flags.
There's no competition. KD has bigger, better rides. Also, Soak City is amazing.
10. Your parents tried convincing you to go to Mason or UMD to stay in the area.
You entertained the idea so they would stay off your back about it, but most of you probably couldn't wait to move out.
11. The cost of living is unbearable.
Kudos if you managed not to move back in with your parents after college. However, you'll probably be in debt longer than those who move back in for a year or two.
12. You experience four seasons in 24 hours.
It could be a sunny 72 degrees at noon, rain in the afternoon and be snowing by nightfall.
13. You visited Cox Farms in the fall.
This is another popular field trip destination. You'd wear your boots, plaid shirt and pretend to be from the south for one day. The hayrides were always up to par, the corn mazes weren't, but the cider was always amazing.
Special thanks to my DMV peeps for the inspiration! Love you guys.