Seattle (and Washington State in general) are some of the best kept secrets that the continental United States has to offer. When meeting new people, their typical response when telling them that I am from the beautiful Evergreen State is to a) ask "Washington D.C.?" or b) tell me how much it rains in my hometown. Despite growing up about 20 minutes east of Seattle proper, I think it is safe to say growing up in the "Greater Seattle Area" breeds many similarities.

1. You took at least one round of high school dance photos at Kerry Park.

No, Dad, there is no way you can get a clear picture of me and the Space Needle.

2. You have been to the Space Needle maybe once.

3. It is weird traveling places where Starbucks is not on every corner.

4. You wore flannels before it was the cool thing to do.

5. Dick's > In-N-Out.

Enough said.

6. The Hawks are your one and only.

Duh.

7. You can't go 10 minutes without seeing another hiking post on social media.

8. You are still hoping the Mariners will get it back together.

Please, baseball gods?

9. Umbrellas are for the weak.

North Face or nothing.

10. You were at least a little annoyed when Qwest field was changed to Centurylink.

11. These donuts mean everything.

12. You know why nobody ever leaves Washington.

Because why would you leave this?