8 Things You Know To Be True If You're Polish

Sometimes, being Polish doesn't get enough credit, but we have a lot of things to be proud of. In fact, I think Polish is one of the nationalities that's underrated, compared to being Italian or Irish. I come from a town where a lot of the people are of Polish decent. We have ancestors who travelled here and worked in the coal mines to make a living for their family. We might not have pizza, but we do have other pretty awesome food. Here are some things you know to be true if you're Polish and proud:

1. No one can pronounce your last name correctly on the first try.

Czekaj, Kruszynski, Mackiewicz...if you had a nickel for every time someone mispronounced your name, you'd be rolling in the pierogi dough.

2. You constantly have to explain the difference between "haluski" and "halupki".

They sound very similar, but they are not the same, trust me.

3. For some families, there's a "right way" and a "wrong way" to make haluski.

My father thinks that making halushki with noodles instead of potato dumplings is cheating; I'll eat it either way.

4. People think your last name is Russian.

Countless times people have asked me if I was Russian because apparently that's what my last name sounds like. No, I am not Russian.

5. Pierogies are a staple.

Doesn't matter how you spell them, but those little Polish dumplings slathered in butter and onions are a key part of the Polish diet, especially on Fridays during Lent.

6. So are potato cakes.

Potato cakes are an easy moneymaker at church festivals and school picnics. They're easy to make and pretty yummy. If they're not greasy, then you're not doing it right.

7. You sunburn too easily.

We're not as unfortunate as our Irish friends, but we still sunburn fast if we don't have enough sunscreen on. Sunbathers beware.

8. Fresh kielbasa is a must at all holiday dinners.

Christmas and Easter would not be complete unless there is a ring of freshly made kielbasa for people to pick at before the main course is served. It's also great to bring to dinner parties, tailgates or even to just eat as a snack.