No matter which lake you grew up on, the memories are all relatively similar. There's something to be said for having a constant source of entertainment right down the street from you. Whether you're venturing out with family on the Fourth of July or listening to your parent's safety rules for the one millionth time, no day on the lake is a waste. Here are 20 things you know to be true if you grew up on the lake.
1. Sunscreen runs through your blood stream
2. Your elbows are permanently scarred
3. Your hair is always just a tad blonder
4. "Camping" has a whole new meaning
You haven't lived until you've spent the night on a boat.
Giphy5. Every great southern momma has a sign with some cute lake quote
Ahhhh, southern lake families. Their hearts are warm, their tea is sweet and their home decor is a friendly mix of tacky and adorable.
6. Your hair has a personality of its own after a day on the water
7. It's either a pontoon day or a speed boat day, never both
8. Your staple bathing suits are like a second skin
9. 1,000 splinters later and you STILL don't wear shoes
You'd think you'd learn eventually but NOPE.
Giphy10. Your favorite sunglasses will forever remain 10 feet underwater buried in the mud
11. Storms on the lake are scary and exhilarating all at once
12. You choose to ignore the fish swimming next to you
13. If another boater doesn't wave, they're permanently labeled a jerk
14. The best boat to have is someone else's
So hopefully your boating experiences are better than these people's....but regardless boats are NOT cheap. Having a friend with a boat is the best.
Giphy15. The BEST girl talk time happens on a tube
16. Ducks bite
17. Tubing twists you in ways you should never be twisted
How do more people not die in tubing accidents?
Giphy18. WiFi is never needed
19. Country music has never sounded better than it does on the lake
20. You can't imagine having grown up anywhere else
As summer days get shorter and shorter, the lake memories become even more valuable. You really don't realize how nice it is to live by the water until the time comes that you are no longer living the lake life. That being said, lather on the sunscreen, wave to your neighbors, always leave your shoes behind, and never take a day on the water for granted
man running in forestPhoto by 
