If you've survived freezing winters, boiling summers, and driving around Boston, then ... congratulations! You're a true New Englander! Although we may curse the wicked winters and terrible summers, and "gronking" is a bit embarrassing, there is exceptional scenery, we're wicked smart, and there is no place I would rather live. Whether you're from the heart of Boston, Western Mass., or any other part of the state, there are certain truths you hold dear to your heart when you grow up in Massachusetts.
1. We know the royal family pretty well
Oh, you're thinking about the Queen of England? No, Tom and Gisele are the real royal family. From their extreme diets to adorable family photos, they are the unquestionable rulers of our state.
2. Tom Brady is innocent
We now roll our eyes whenever someone mentions deflategate. Tom is innocent, so get over it.
3. The Dunkin's vs. Starbucks war is extremely real
Massachusetts is famous for Dunkin's "regular" iced coffee, even in the winter, but Starbucks have been popping up all over the place. So does Massachusetts really run on Dunkin?
4. You know the Bernie and Phyl's commercial jingle by heart
"Quality, comfort, and price ... that's nice." You probably just sang that phrase in your head.
5. You visited Old Sturbridge Village, Peabody Museum, and Plymouth Plantation each at least once in elementary and middle school
Field trips were the best week -- no, month -- of school. Even if you had already been to each place five times before.6. Aggressive driving is second nature
If you drove through the Big Dig, then you would be an aggressive driver too. Also, what's a speed limit? All we see is "minimum speed."
7. People in Massachusetts are pretty aggressive in general
They're even aggressive arguers, pedestrians, coffee lovers, sports fans, and so on.
8. Anything less than four inches of snow is a simple flurry
We dealt with one of the worst winters of all time. We are used to shoveling outside until we can't feel our faces.
9. You go shopping over the state line in New Hampshire
Everything is tax-free! A quick drive to New Hampshire for a shopping trip is worth it!
10. "Wicked" is an integral adverb in your vocabulary
"It's wicked cold out today."
11. There is nothing quite like New England clam chowdah
I'm telling you, it's wicked good.
12. There is undying loyalty to Boston/New England sports
Even if you aren't a sport fan, you still support the Red Sox, the Patriots, the Bruins, and the Celtics no matter what. And no matter who you are -- even if you hate football -- at some point in your life Tom Brady will charm your socks off.
13. We don't "pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd"
We're smart enough to know we will get a ticket. Plus, while the accents can be very real, no one's is that strong.
14. You love the foliage
No matter how many times you experience the foliage growing up, you still love it.
15. Ski trips are one of the perks about living in a state where it's normal to get blizzards
Even those who don't ski often tag along on the trips and hang out in the cabin or lodge.
16. No matter how far away you move from Massachusetts, you will always be a native New Englander at heart
