There are plenty of stereotypes associated with having different colored hair, lighter or darker complexion, and even having an abnormal shoe size. What some people see as just a myth about these differences, however, can be very real for those who actually have these interesting qualities.

You're probably wondering what makes me an expert on these matters. The answer? It doesn't. However, I do have a mutation on my 16th chromosome that causes, technically, an abnormality which can affect my skin, tolerance to pain, and even my ability to see. I'm practically a member of the X-Men. What mutation is this, you ask?

I am a ginger.

(Photo cred: Rae Delgado, March 2012)

As a ginger, I think it's time we break down the myths that have made us so fascinating to the general public. From the favorite soul-stealing question, to the vampire comparisons – I'll be separating truth from fiction.

Myth #1: Having red hair means you have a temper.

I find this to be pretty hysterical because I'm normally a pretty calm person. I have seen my times of rage...but the correlation between hair color and mental instability has never been proven by science. This idea has become a widely held belief. Many gingers' lineage spans from Ireland to Scotland, and these countries are known for their fiery residents. A judge in Ireland even sentenced a man to pay a fine before he heard evidence in a trial in 2001. He said, “I am a firm believer that hair coloring has an effect on temper, and your coloring suggests you have a temper.” My opinion is that every person is capable of rage and it has no connection to hair color. I mean, look at me. I was a pretty serene looking kid.

(Photo cred: Rae Delgado, March 2010)

Myth #2: Immune to anesthetic.

Probably my least liked myth about being a ginger – because it's spot-on. Gingers are known to require about 20 percent more anesthesia than other patients in order to sedate. The worst part? I'm pretty immune to most medicine, and numbing medication as well. I discovered my immunity when I had to get a root canal my freshman year of high school. After just a few minutes of my dentist trying to drill into my tooth, I screamed out in pain. He said, "There's no way you could have felt that." He couldn't have been more wrong. I can't remember how many more needles he had to stick in my mouth to pump me full of medicine before he could finish the procedure, but he looked pretty worried. An even worse experience? Try getting a spinal tap when you can feel everything. Mine resulted in a bruised spine and another trip to the E.R. a day later.

Myth #3: Gingers are part Vampire.

This is my favorite ginger myth because fantasy is my specialty. The myth started in Greek mythology, which stated that when gingers die they became vampires. It slowly evolved into something a little more accurate. This myth is perpetuated by the idea that gingers burn easily in the sun and have to have more iron (in their blood) to remain healthy. The funny thing is that this myth is true. I can be out in the sun for less than a half hour and have a gnarly sunburn. It can cause horrible headaches and sometimes make me so sick that I have to stay in a cold room and sleep to feel better. I've been to doctors who tell me that I start to dehydrate after 20 minutes because my kidneys overwork when I'm in the sun. My doctors told me I needed constant fluids and – wait for it – more iron found in red meat. The low iron in my body made me anemic, and therefore meant I was losing more blood when on my menstrual cycle, during a bloody nose, etc. So, essentially, I'm a vampire hybrid like Blade, or Michael from "Underworld." Bring on the leather and awesome fight sequences.

(Photo cred: Rae Delgado, January 2015)

Myth #4: Satan's Helpers.

Many people believe that gingers are Satan's helpers, also known as hell-spawn or witches. Personally, I actually grew up a Wiccan, but if people did research they'd know Wicca is nothing at all like being a demonic helper of Satan. Unfortunately for hundreds of gingers during the Spanish Inquisition, there were a lot of ignorant people who associated red with the color of evil. The Spaniards thought gingers stole the fires of hell to rain their fury on the world and were burned at the stake – just because of their hair color! I know plenty of gingers who go to church and love God, have beautiful families, and are not at all associated with evil doings. Shame on you, Spaniards!

Myth #5: Without a soul.

Nearly everyone has seen the "Ginger Kids" episode of the popular Comedy Central show, "South Park." This episode borrowed a branch from the Satan's-helpers myth and created a more updated version – gingers don't have souls. While it's true I am a little obsessed with murder, and I find other people's misery more fascinating than sad, I still feel overwhelming love for my family and friends. I don't think you can love people without having a soul, right? That's what I thought. Now, my dad, on the other hand, decided to make this episode the bane of my existence. Calling me "red-headed stepchild" and "freckle face" became a running joke in my family. Though it was not malicious, it still rubbed me the wrong way. My favorite comeback to this myth is to say that no, we do have souls, but look at all my freckles – those mark all the souls I've stolen.

(Photo cred: Rae Delgado, March 2014)

Myth #6: Sex, Sex, Sex.

I'm just going to put all the crude myths in one section. The two main myths/rumors about gingers' intimacy is that we are far more sexually active than other people and that we have carpets that match the drapes. Let's just get this all cleared up – I'm as sexually curious as the next person, and who cares what color my carpet is? You're not welcome to see it. Bam. Done. The other myth stems from University findings through the years that gingers are more prone to masochism. Since gingers are known to have a lower pain tolerance, it is said that during intimate encounters they enjoy wilder actions. Personally, I think this is another case-by-case situation. I can barely stand stubbing my toe, so I think that sums up my opinion on that fairly well.

Are you a ginger? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Comment below! Let's show people how super we are!