Whether you're setting out to become a teacher or write the next great American novel, as an English major, you are an interesting creature. We come with a variety of opinions, aspirations, personalities, and quirks. No two are exactly the same but, regardless of your differences, there are a few things that all of us English majors know to be way too true.

1. We read... a lot

It doesn't take a team of highly-skilled mathematicians to figure out that English majors spend a lot of time with our noses stuck in a book. This, however, is not always a leisurely read.

If you are a part of any other major and you think you have a lot of reading to do, try walking a day in the shoes of an English major. When your entire focus of study surrounds the ideas, records, and concepts hidden between the pages of a book, you have to learn to love reading.

2. Sometimes metaphors happen

As my roommates can probably tell you (with a loving grin that hides sheer irritation) the common breed of English major will take just about any and every chance they can to point out a deeper meaning of life in some seemingly small thing. Don't judge us, just indulge us. We simply mean to bring a little bit of embellishment to the real world.

3. We will always be silently correcting your grammar

While some of us are more polite about it than others, most English majors have a heightened sensitivity to improper grammar and spelling. We find such a beauty in an otherwise contradictory language that we become easily annoyed when it is misused in the simplest manner. I.e. a missed comma, incorrect spelling, run-on sentences, and the list goes on and on.

4. We have more knowledge of roots than the average bear

Learning the meaning of half of a dictionary's worth of words is much easier when you know their roots and meanings off the top of your head. As a result, we may randomly pull out a "fun fact" about the various tips, tricks, and root words that we have learned in our years of study. All we ask is that you pretend to care when we start a sentence with "Did you know that 'arthritis' comes from the Latin word for..."

5. We get more attached to fictional characters than real people

When you spend more time with books than you do with real people, you get attached remarkably quickly. After all, investing a large portion of your time in the lives of a character, watching their every move and cheering them on through their trials and triumphs, is just like having a real friend isn't it?

6. We pretty much always have a book on hand

Any English major that's worth their salt will tell you that there is no better way to make the time fly than by reading a good book. Waiting for a friend before class? Read a book.

Waiting for your roommate to get out of the shower? Read a book. Want to avoid doing things you should have done yesterday? Read a book. The only way to solve this ever-present problem is to always have a book on hand.

7. Our "books to read" list really is endless

As soon as one book closes, another opens. The world is a place that is brimming with new, exciting books to read and fictional characters to meet. As soon as one ends their journey, there's another waiting around the corner and we could not be more excited for what we'll read next.

8. We hold very strong opinions about eBooks

eBooks, whether you love them or hate them, have become wildly popular in the past decade. With that in mind, the book nerds of yore have started to transition to a new creature that combines the literary nerd, clutching their paperbacks, and the technology geek, looking for the latest update on each and every gadget.

Whether you're for them or against them, every English major has a strong opinion about eBooks. Your best bet, unless you have a few hours to kill, is to avoid the topic altogether.

9. We can, and will, use something that we have read against you

What is the point of reading anything if you don't take something away from the experience? This benefit only grows stronger and more enticing as you can use the information you read as a weapon against your adversaries. Tread lightly when it comes to the English major. We are a quiet, and often peaceful, breed but we will bite if necessary.

10. We actually love to hate writing

English Writing and English Literature majors are vastly different in the smallest of ways but are actually quite similar in one shared hatred of writing. Yes, some of us claim that it is our favorite pastime, leisurely or otherwise, but it can still be quite a pain in the neck.

Running out of ideas is a terrifying thought but running over the word count and cutting back precious thoughts and beautifully crafted sentences is equally terrifying. Nothing is more hauntingly obnoxious than the task of writing a poem, short story, or novel but we continue to torture ourselves for our art.

11. Plot twists have us feeling paranoid about everyday life

With so many sudden character deaths, hidden villains, and series of unfortunate, unplanned events, is it any wonder the English major can be a little wary of just about any situation? When your entire academic career is devoted to not knowing what comes next, with only slight predictions as our guide, is it any wonder that English majors can be this skittish?

12. We find nothing more annoying than a film adaptation that does not follow the book

Those that are upset when a movie is reviewed as "the best movie this year" and falls flat cannot argue the same disappointment as a book-lover going to see a film adaptation of their favorite book. Sometimes it's minor details.

Sometimes it's as if the director has never cracked open a single book in his entire life. Regardless, nothing is more annoying than sitting through two hours of a book that you can read in its correct format.

13. We defend our favorite books like a Momma Bear

Nothing hurts an English major more than hearing the phrase "I hate reading." We just don't understand how this is physically possible. After all, there are so many genres of literature that tell so many wonderful, timeless stories and that means that the possibilities are endless. There is a book for everybody but we're definitely going to convince you to read our personal favorite first.