1. You have yet to find a coffee place that even comes close to a Dunks.
Let's be honest here. You've tried Starbucks...and you really really wanted to love it. You probably also tried several local coffee shops in hopes of finding that perfect go to cup of coffee, but to no avail. Dunkin' Donuts are a rare breed outside of New England, but when you finally do find one, you swear you can hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" as you pull in to the drive-thru.
2. You still have an insane amount of team pride for any Boston team even when you're 1000 miles away.
Nothing...and I mean nothing...comes close to the phenomenon that is the New England Patriots (Or Boston Bruins, Red Sox and Celtics...but it's football season,so I've narrowed this one down a bit) Often imitated, never duplicated, you will quickly learn that most teams strive to have the strength, grace and just over all winning power of the Patriots. I've been to other football games, and as fun as they are, it doesn't even come close to a game at Gillette. New England fans are a special breed that are die hard fans...and it takes more than a long distance move to weaken this girls' Patriot's Pride #DOYOURJOB #FREEBRADY
3. You never knew you had an 'accent' until people called you out on saying 'wicked' every two seconds.
As hard as it is to admit, you have a New England Accent. You say things like "Bang-a-U-ie" and "Pahk the Cah." You order "Grinders" instead of subs and get your water from the "Bubblah." And let's not forget the holiest of New England words...'wicked.' People probably call you out on saying this all the time, but you can't change...and you don't really want to either.
4. People probably think you're mean.
It's nothing personal...New Englanders are just the 'resting bitch face' of America. When we're waiting in line at Hannaford's we just aren't used to striking up conversation with strangers. We're sometimes a little blunt and wicked sarcastic, and it just takes some getting used to. It probably doesn't help that we're kind of aggressive drivers...and pedestrians, but once people get to know you though, they learn that your heart is as warm as hot apple cidah.
5. You miss snow.
I guess this one only applies if you've moved to the south or the west coast, but it still needs to be addressed. Admit it, when you first moved away, you were PUMPED for no more snow. Then, after about a year of nothing but summer, you watch "Home Alone" and you miss snow; how pretty it is, how cute your beanie and gloves were, the crunch of snow under your boots, the mobs at Stop N Shop racing to get milk and bread. Plus, no one knows how to party during a snowstorm like New Englanders! It's basically an art form. You have no idea how many times I have thought about flying up to Rhode Island for just one more Nor Eastah.
6. You were PUMPED the first time it was cold enough to wear your leggings and Bean Boots.
I literally count down the days until it's considered 'winter' in Florida. Leggings, L.L. Bean Boots and a North Face...nothing screams "New Englander" more. People tend to stare at your boots and ask you where you got them. And you are all too excited to tell them about the time you went to the L.L. Bean in Freeport (It's open all night don't ya know) and miraculously found the boots in your size and you HAD to get them right then because you knew they'd be on back order for another 6 months and no one is that patient.
Even though you've probably moved hundred's of miles away (or maybe just a few) there's not place in the world like New England. We have the best seasons, the best sports teams, the best fashion and frankly, the best people. And you miss it every single day. Even more now that you've read this article. You're welcome.
