First off, I want to start by explaining that the DMV is not the Department of Motor Vehicles. I can't even tell you the amount of times people have thought I was referring to the place where I received my driver's license.
The DMV stands for DC, Maryland and Virginia. It's simple. So simple, that there are some blatantly obvious signs that you grew up in any one of these places. Here's a list of seven signs you were a DMV kid:
1. You can talk to anyone, and you are aware of so many different kinds of people.
If your school was anything like mine, then you know that it consisted of every possible race and ethnicity. Your friend group was extremely diverse, and as a result of growing up in such a cultured environment, you are now comfortable talking to anyone, and you have had the opportunity to learn so much about people that are different than you.
2. You understand what good food is.
DC is one of the best places for food, so you have basically been exposed to every single cuisine under the sun. You can have gyros and falafel on one corner, and juicy burgers and crispy fries on the next. There is always something to satisfy your taste buds. Not to mention Georgetown cupcakes. Enough said.
3. The vocabulary.
There was some interesting vocabulary and slang that I used to hear around my high school, and if it wasn't for urban dictionary, I would have honestly been so lost. Here are some examples:
"She bad", "I'm siced or that's a sice!", "Sike naw", "He was doing the most", "What's gucci?"
I still don't understand why these were ever a thing, but you just learned to accept it.
4. You understand how to maneuver the metro.
The metro system is so useful, especially if you need to get anywhere in the city. It's cheap and efficient.
5. You hate tourists.
Growing up in DC means that you have had to deal with TONS of tourists. Walking around downtown and maneuvering around tons of people with their cameras and selfie sticks gets old real fast.
6. You were used to tons of snow days.
Marylanders do not know how to deal with snow. My high school used to cancel days of school for two inches of snow. Now, going to school in Ohio, I am forced to get used to trudging through a foot of snow to make it in time for my 10 AM class.
7. You can brag that you live near where "Real Housewives Of Potomac" takes place.
When I heard that this was a thing, I was embarrassed. But now, I have accepted the fact that it is pretty hilarious, and it is honestly about time that they made a show about Potomac. So we are basically famous now.
So next time someone asks you what the "DMV" means, you can tell them with pride that it is undoubtedly one of the best places to grow up.
