Growing up in Southern California is a blessing on its own. We have great beaches, delicious food, and nice weather (most of the time). Whether you're from SoCal or NorCal or simply just out of state, here are 17 definitive signs that you’re from the southern half of the Golden State.

1. Mexican food is serious business, and it's honestly a lifestyle.

Rule of thumb: The closer the restaurant is to the border and the more run-down the restaurant looks, the better. So if you think the restaurant is violating the health code, you’re making a great choice.

2. In-N-Out.

Nothing compares, so don’t try to convince us otherwise. We claim to take out of towners here to “show off” our favorite burger joint and what California has to offer, but really we just want an excuse to go to In-N-Out.

3. You love farmer’s markets.

The fruit is the freshest and tastiest here. If you can’t make it to a farmer’s market, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods will do.

4. When referring to freeways, you always use "the."

“Take the 5 to the 52 to connect to the 15.”

5. You have a playlist just for driving on Pacific Coast Highway.

There is nothing better than driving down PCH with the windows rolled down, blasting the Beach Boys.

6. You don’t know how to take public transportation.

Our public transportation system is absolute trash, so when we say that the freeway is the way of life we mean it.

7. You cannot stand the cold.

When we say it’s cold, it’s somewhere below 75. On the rare occasion it drops below 55, you stay inside with the heat cranked up. If you have to venture outside, you bust out the Ugg boots, hats, mittens, scarves, and ski jackets.

8. Flip flops are appropriate footwear at any event.

You have a pair of flip flops for any occasion: Work, school, lounging around, the pool, the beach. If you have a first date or something important, you’ll upgrade to fancy sandals.

9. Earthquakes are the norm.

You probably had five earthquake drills per year in school, so you know exactly how to react.

10. Fire days are the California equivalent to East Coast snow days.

You can handle wildfires, but you can’t handle blizzards.

11. Speaking of snow, you have probably never seen it fall from the sky.

Does it only happen in movies?

12. Out of towners always ask, “Do you live next door to a movie star?”

It’s sweet you think that I can afford the same house as Hollywood movie stars as to be living next door to them.

13. Everyone’s name is “dude.”

Your mom, your dad, your siblings, your grandma, your friends, the stranger who kicked up sand on your towel at the beach. We’re all “dude.”

14. You are fluent in “bro language.”

“Bruh, you need to try this dank food. It’s bomb.”

15. You know español as well. If you’re not fluent, you’re close.

It’s kind of hard to avoid when you live so close to the border.

16. You will not be caught dead referring to your state as “Cali.”

It’s just not acceptable. If you are texting and want to use shorthand, you just use “CA.”

17. And the last thing. You’re always asking yourself, “Why would anyone live anywhere else besides SoCal?”

Even if you do move away from Southern California, your side of the state will always have a special place in your heart. You’ll be back.