Growing up with a parent (or parents) in the military is a weird experience. You tend to move more than your friends, and what you consider to be normal is actually pretty rare. If you did happen to be a "military brat" growing up, there's a few weird things you've had to experience.
1. The struggle to answer "So, where are you from?"
I usually go with "I don't know" or the ever-elusive, "Around."
2. Picking up weird slang from around the U.S. (and maybe other countries too)
Pop, soda, coke, cola, or maybe you say words weird like beg instead of bag, or mawm instead of mom, caramel vs car-a-mel... the list could go on.
3. Failing to become obsessed with certain "area staples"
No, I don't like that weird food you all seem to love because you've been eating it since birth (@ you St. Louis and your provel cheese). Also, I don't really understand everyone's obsession with the overgrown pig at the fair, it makes no sense to me.
4. Knowing U.S. geography better than most
Not to brag, but when I take one of those "Name All 50 States" quizzes, I usually get 100% (mostly because I've been to almost every state).
5. Forgetting other people don't know military jargon/practices
You were never needed to salute, but you definitely practiced it in the mirror sometimes. You also understand the differences between an enlisted and an officer, lieutenant and colonel (and lieutenant colonel), etc.
6. Receiving a weird, jigsawed education
It's no secret that the U.S.'s education system isn't cohesive, and when you move a lot during K-12, then you get all types of repetitive lessons (and some you just miss altogether).
7. Adapting to new places and situations quickly
Unlike those who have lived in the same place their entire lives, you have to adapt quickly to make friends. You're basically a regional chameleon.
8. Truly understanding what a long distance relationship looks like
Most likely your parent was deployed at some point or another. You not only experienced being away from someone you love for an extended period of time but if your parents were together, you saw a truly long-distance relationship function and unfold before your eyes.
9. Learn that true friendships won't fall apart with distance
You meet a lot of people when you move a lot, and constantly have friends revolving through your life. Your true friends though are the ones you still talk to even when you haven't lived by them in years, and those are the real gems.
Moving around a lot kind of sucks, but the different experiences you have and all of the amazing people you meet make the unique life worth while.
