My parents and their families moved to the states in their late teens from Poland. Growing up, I had a very strong sense of the Polish culture in my life that many other Americans aren't as lucky to have. Some of these customs, if you can identify with them, weren't always that great. If you can relate to these 30 things, you know you grew up Polish.
1. You spoke Polish before you spoke English.
2. Your parents have an abundance of vodka in the house.
3. You could never get out of going to church every Sunday morning.
4. You probably studied out of one of these.
5. You knew Saturday mornings meant your mom was cleaning every surface of the house.
6. If you were indoors, you were forced to wear slippers, or you would catch some ridiculous disease.
7. Your only summer plans were to go to Poland.
8. Everyone mispronounces your last name (and sometimes your first name).
9. All your relatives are still salty about World War II.
10. You watched "Bolek i Lolek" and "Smurfs."
11. Your friends think it's crazy that you put butter on all your sandwiches.
12. You had pierogi at least once a week for dinner.
13. You know not one family get together will be calm and quiet.
14. You drink hot tea year round.
15. You owe your posture to constantly hearing "nie garb się" from your parents.
16. Pope John Paul was a hero.
17. All your friends loved running around screaming "kurwa."
18. You're used to having dinner around 3 or 4 and supper at 7.
19. Christmas Eve was a much bigger deal than Christmas Day.
Breaking the opłatek, looking out for the first star, all the amazing fish dishes, and opening presents a whole day before all your other friends!
20. The bond between cousins can never be broken.
21. Your school lunch sandwiches were always on rye bread.
22. All your parents' Polish friends are your ciocias and wujeks.
23. No matter what you're wearing, you're always naked to babcia.
24. You wonder if your parents are they way they are because of the Soviets.
25. Your friends are kinda grossed out by some of the food you serve.
26. You've heard absolutely every Polish joke out there and still get mad about them.
27. No one can remember how to say your parents' names.
28. You always have Polish snacks out for guests.
29. Hearing your friends try say Polish words is hysterical.
30. People always ask you if you're Russian….which is really not okay.
