Live Free or Die. That's the motto. You grow up in what most people consider to be the middle of nowhere. You learn to take risks. You learn that your "city" isn't what most people consider a city. Regardless, you learn to love it. You love your town, state, motto, area code. You choose to represent it whenever given the chance. But when you leave, people look at you slightly differently. The pride you hold of your homeland creates confusion in many, especially those who have never been. So before you leave, here are some things that you should know that only we New Hampshirites truly understand.

1. A lot of people don't think people actually live in NH.

Yup. Living proof of that right here. There have been several times I have been told "I think you're the first person I've ever met from New Hampshire," or "I didn't realize people actually lived there." Yup, people do live there.

2. Some don't even know where it is.

Is that near New York?

3. Not everyone appreciates a Cup o' Joe from Dunks.

For that matter, most people don't know what our beloved "Dunks" is. For some strange reason, they prefer Starbucks.

4. People don't understand your use of the word "wicked."

"That was wicked awesome," "The Pats game was wicked crazy." Statements that are normal to New Hampshirites, but wicked confusing to most outside of New England.

5. Sales tax exists.

Sales tax is a very, very unfortunate thing that exists in most states. Brace yourself.

6. There aren't mountains everywhere.

For those of us who grew up in New Hampshire, we were fortunate enough to have decent sized mountains all around us. To the west and north, you have some great hiking locations, and you can't forget about some of the ski resorts up north.

7. People don't realize that New Hampshire has a coastline.

Yes, yes it is there. There may be only 18 miles of coast to the Atlantic Ocean, but we make the most of all of them.

8. A lot of people hate New England sports.

Namely, the Patriots, but if people see you with a Red Sox, Bruins, or Celtics hat outside of New England, you are sure to get some glares and questions.

9. Below 20° is considered cold.

The average winter temperature is around 20°. So we definitely have our fair share of days in what some may consider to be cold weather, but what we consider to be normal.

10. The foliage here is actually unreal.

Growing up with it, you don't really appreciate it. But as soon as you leave, you can see what people were talking about.

11. You might actually want to go back.

Crazy, right?