Going to a large university that attracts many people from around the country (and the world), it's very normal to ask other people where they're from. But living in a state that's riddled with stereotypes, us New Jersey-ans always receive a follow-up question about the great Garden State, ranging from traffic to what we call certain foods.
So to the next person who asks me where I'm from, I'm saving you the time and energy of asking any additional questions by providing my answers to the common questions New Jersey natives are always asked:
1. Do you live on the beach?
Believe me, I wish I did but I'm actually closer to New York City. I am about a one hour commute from the northernmost shore point. And we can't forget about the traffic...
2. Do you go to New York City all of the time?
Even though I am about 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, I don't. If you've ever driven into the city, you'd know that it's not the easiest ride. If you've ever gone shopping in the city, you'd know that it's not the most affordable place.
3. Does everybody go tanning?
If you saw my pasty skin tone, that would probably answer your question.
4. Pork roll or Taylor ham?
Taylor ham, obviously.
5. Italian ice or water ice?
Italian ice. Saying water ice is redundant.
6. Does central Jersey actually exist?
Nope. You're either North Jersey or South Jersey. Your answers to #4 & #5 will help you determine which region you are.
7. Can you pump your own gas?
As embarrassing as this is, I don't do that much long distance driving, so I cannot. However, because I go to school out-of-state, I hope to learn soon!
8. How's the traffic?
It's never too good to be honest. We always have to carefully measure when is the best time to go to a popular destination (the city, the beach, etc.) to avoid the bumper-to-bumper hassle.
9. Yankees or Mets?
Yankees (duh)!
10. Jets or Giants?
Neither. We're actually Pittsburgh Steelers fans which makes it easy to find kindred spirits in Pennsylvania.
11. What's the caffeinated beverage you drink in the morning?
CAWFEE. There, I said it.
12. Do you say "Joisey?"
In all honesty, I don't pronounce it like that, I've never heard anyone from Jersey pronounce it like that, and the only time I hear it is when people mock New Jersey.
13. Do you have refined taste in pizza and bagels?
Yes, I do. When I head westward over the state line, I will not eat any pizza or bagels unless it's from a chain place (like Domino's or Dunkin' Donuts).
14. What exit do you live off the New Jersey Parkway?
I live off Exit 153. Unfortunately, I have a ways to go before I can get to Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, or Wildwood.
15. Do people honk at you all of the time when you drive?
Yes, they do! When the traffic light turns green, you cannot linger even for a second. Everybody is in a hurry, so you're better off starting to go when the light is red and you have an inkling it'll turn green soon. Thankfully, I haven't been flipped off yet.
16. Does your house get egged and TP'ed the night before Halloween?
My family has put a stop to that, but, trust me, there are many other unfortunate souls who had to suffer the effects of "Mischief Night" or "Goosy Night."
17. Are those stereotypical New Jersey maps accurate?
They're more accurate than I wish they were, if that answers your question.
18. Is New Jersey actually really dirty?
Well, I'm not dying of lung cancer from the pollutant-infested air so it's not THAT terrible. I mean yes, there is probably more pollution because we're pretty urbanized, but the whole population isn't wiped out from pollution-related diseases.
19. Are Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and the cast of Jersey Shore the only things to come out of your state?
No. For starters, Whitney Houston...
20. What's so great about New Jersey anyway?
Let's see...the proximity to the city and the beach, stores and restaurants all within a five-minute drive of your house, there's always something to do, it's home to an Ivy League school, we have the best pizza out there, shall I go on?
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