You've grown up in the same place your entire life and then one day your parents are like "Hey, surprise! We're moving half way across the country". Sigh. It's devastating at first and difficult to transition but you soon come to learn to love your new home. Specifically, when you move somewhere like Texas, the Lone Star state. You think kids ride to school on their horses and everyone talks like southern rednecks, but it turns out Texans are just like the rest of us. When you arrive you're like, "WTF these Texas people are way too happy to live in Texas", but you soon become one of them. But here are few reasons, you know you're living in Texas from out of state so you've grown to like these things or at least tolerate them.
1. Homecoming mums
It's a tradition that happens in high schools once a year, and when you see one for the first time you're probably thinking, "Oh my god, that thing is hideous." They are super over the top and obnoxious and its almost like a competition of who can have the biggest/most elaborate mum. But at least they own it.
2. Whataburger
Coming from out of state and never even had step foot in Texas before moving there, you will have never even seen or heard of Whataburger. You don't understand all the commotion surrounding this infamous burger joint until you've experienced what all the hype is about. (Although, you will admit Honey Butter Chicken biscuits for breakfast are the bomb).
3. Football
Both high school and college football take it to whole other level, like it's border line cultish. People eat, breathe, sneeze, laugh, sleep, and DIE for football here. Its very alarming how intense those varsity mom and dads get into a game, but its all part of the fun.
4. Chips and Queso
This one is a game changer. Yes, chips and queso exist in other places but none taste as good as a serving down south. Seriously, it's a regular staple appetizer at any restaurant you go to. It will soon become apart of your weekly diet.
5. Dressing up for church
You're used to a laid back and causal church, but the south is pretty conservative and each church upholds traditional values of their own and respectfully so. Some places, the girls absolutely can not roll up in jeans and a nice top and the guys can not show up in khaki shorts or flip flops. Trust me, you'll look like a fish out of water.
6. The mountains and bodies of water (or lack there of)
Texas is about as flat as it gets. Driving across state, there is nothing. NOTHING. Just roads on end with nothing pretty to look at but the sky. And when people say how fun the beach is in Galveston, Texas you just about want to pull your hair out because they've obviously never experienced the glory of a real beach.
7. Using the word "Y'all"
Its a way of life. Were you even born in Texas if you don't use the word "y'all"? Its used in every day language. Mad? Happy? Excited? You can use the word y'all for any occasion!
Even though you still refuse to like country music or buy cowboy boots, Texas has earned a special place in your heart. You can't deny the awesome Tex-mex, southern culture, and love for football so you might as suck it up and learn to like it. Its not until then you become a true honorary Texan.
