1. You spent your summers at Belmar on 16th or 8th Ave

You are guaranteed to see at least 10 people you know every time you go to the beach in the summer. The first 80 degree day everyone skips school and you all end up on the beach together. Sometimes, even with your teachers. Also, getting a playa bowl on 9th is always a must.

2. You eat Italian ice

Sometimes from an ice stand, but the best is when you get it from your local bakery. For the record, it's very very very different than polish water ice or ice from Rita's. It's creamier and less syrupy and just so much more delicious.

3. You've been to a PNC concert at least once

Usually more than once. You look forward to every summer filled with affordable concerts by great artists.

4. You frequent Inkwell on late summer nights

If you're from central Jersey, specifically Monmouth County, you know that Inkwell is the absolute place to be at midnight on any summer night. This late night coffeehouse is an essential part to your late night plans throughout the summer.

5. You're addicted to acai bowls

You spend too much money at places like Playa Bowls, Frutta Bowls, Kai Bowls, etc. You probably haven’t gone an entire week without at least one in a long time. That’s okay, at least it’s a healthy addiction.

6. You go to NYC way too often

We’re not really that close, it’s still an hour away, but for some reason we seem to be in the city quite often. Maybe we love it so much because we’re close enough to go a lot, but far enough to get away from it all. Either way, if you’re from central Jersey, you’ll probably find yourself in the city AT LEAST once every few weeks. Oh, and we call it ‘The City’ not ‘New York City.’

7. You've taken a very basic picture in front of the doors at Porta Pizza

Can you really call yourself a central Jersey girl if you’ve never taken this picture??? If you really are from central Jersey you know exactly what I’m talking about. Those doors in front of Porta Pizza (AMAZING pizza too, by the way) in Asbury Park that say "Eat. Drink. Be Honest."

8. You've probably tried the decadent French toast at MeeMom's

This French toast is a must try for anyone in Central Jersey. With more than 25 different French toast options along with some other breakfast goodies, MeeMom’s Kitchen is an essential piece to every Central Jerseyan’s diet.

9. You're really not like the cast of Jersey Shore, but you do see yourself resembling them every once and a while...

Yeah, they're all crazy and not even from NJ, but we do fist pump...a lot...especially at parties.

10. You probably went to at least 100 sweet 16s throughout high school

What can I say? Sweet 16s are just a really big deal around here. I never realized that they’re not as popular in most other places, but I guess we just like an excuse to have a good party here in Central Jersey.

11. You go to Six Flags Great Adventure a lot, especially during fright fest

You probably have a season pass and know at least 50% of the people that work there. You go all the time in the summer, but you end up using your pass the most during fright fest when you see at least half of the people you know walking around the park at night.

12. You're OBSESSED with your bagels and your pizza

Yeah we're kind of annoying about it. But undeniably it's true.

13. You continuously get told that you live in a nonexistent place.

Then tell me, where do I live???

14. You enjoy Wawa while not being too far south

It’s a blessing to be five minutes from Wawa, 25 minutes from the beach, and an hour from the city.

15. You have an accent that you don't believe you have until you leave Central Jersey

I still don’t think I have an accent, just everyone I meet from other places thinks I do.

16. You're overly obsessed with Central Jersey in general and miss it every time you're away

It’s true. Living away from Central Jersey has given me a newfound pride and love for my area, and I just try to share it with everyone I meet.