As someone who grew up on (and was very ready to leave) the South Shore of Massachusetts, I feel a lot of love (and frustration) about some of the quirky things that make up this area. At college, I love coming across someone from the South Shore, someone who shares my love of Marylou's coffee and my hatred of Plymouth Rock. I've decided to compile a list that all my South Shore friends can relate to, something that binds us all together, no matter what town we're from. Without further ado, here are 14 signs that you were raised on the South Shore:
1. Friday night football games are the main source of excitement in your town.
And, you take your town rivalries very seriously. Looking at you, Marshfield.
2. We all have a favorite restaurant on the North End in Boston, and always insist on going there on our birthdays.
Followed by Modern or Mike's Pastry, naturally.
3. The real estate agents in town are like mini-celebrities.
Mostly because you see their names everywhere you go.
4. Every guy you know owns a pair of these shorts.
"It's not pink. It's salmon."
5. Every girl you know has one of these bags.
[Raises hand.]
6. And everyone lives in boat shoes.
[Raises hand.]
7. You've run into a member of Aerosmith at the grocery store.
And tried and failed to be super casual.
8. You love to hate Plymouth Rock.
And pity the tourists who come all the way from across the country to see it.
9. The South Shore Plaza is your favorite place.
Lush and Cheesecake Factory? I feel like a queen.
10. You always time out your weekends around Cape traffic.
"I will not drive south on Friday. I will not drive north on Sunday."
11. Marylou's coffee is your one true love.
And you feel unfaithful every time you go to Dunkin' or Starbucks.
12. You're never far from beautiful beaches.
And you find it crazy when someone you meet has never seen the ocean.
13. You get ice cream practically every day in the summer.
And will never get sick of it.
14. You feel very passionately (either negatively or positively) about oysters.
Even though I'm ready to move on to bigger things, I won't forget where I came from. (And will be visiting regularly to get my Marylou's fix.)
