When it came time to decide on what school I would be attending for the next four years, I never realized that if I went away to school, I would be an outcast. Most of the schools I was looking at were all in New York so when I decided to go to a school in Massachusetts, my whole world was changing. I did not know that I had an "accent" or said things differently than people who live in Massachusetts. Many things were different here than on Long Island so I decided to put together the daily struggles I have while living in Massachusetts.
1. We're in New England territory now.
I've grown up loving the New York Giants and being thrown into Patriots territory is a daily struggle of everyone telling me that they are the best. Well, I only have one thing to say to them, "18-1".
2. You have an accent.
Everyone on Long Island talks the same so I never realized that I say things "weird." The words that people like to make fun of me for include: water, ferry, dog, talk and drawer.
3. What is a 'hero'?
Up here they call them grinders and that is something I will never say.
4. The pizza is a disappointment.
If you had Long Island pizza, you would totally understand why no other slice can compare to it. There really is something in the water here.
5. What's a regular slice of pizza and why do we call it a pie?
In Massachusetts, they call it a cheese slice. I'm just used to saying "regular" when I just want a slice of cheese. Also, a pie is the easiest way to say when you want a whole pizza, not just a slice.
6. Bagels do not live up to the Long Island bagels.
Again, it must be something in that MA water.
7. What's Ralph's Italian Ices?
Ralph's Italian Ices is the best place in Long Island to get Italian ices during the summer and people do not understand that this is better than Rita's Italian Ices in MA. Opening day is like a holiday on Long Island.
8. What do you mean the beach is two hours away?
On Long Island, you have the sound on one side and the Atlantic on the other. I don't know how people who live without having a beach within ten minutes from them.
9. Why do you call your aunt an insect?
My whole life I've called my relatives my "ant" instead of "aunt." I did not realize how many people do not say aunt like how you would pronounce the insect.
10. We have weird town names.
So many people cannot pronounce many of Long Island town names like Massapequa, Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, and Syosset so this is my little party trick when I hang out with people from Massachusetts. You guys can't even judge because you have equally weird town names.
11. No one in MA can drive.
Although New Yorkers are not that good of drivers, they are better than the drivers here. There's a reason they call them Massholes.
12. Everyone walks so slow.
Being from New York, everyone is always in a rush no matter where you are going. Many times people always say I walk fast, but that's the speed everyone walks at back home.
13. We have 24-hour diners.
All great nights have ended at various diners on Long Island. Whether it's after a concert or you just get a chicken nugget craving at one in the morning, they are always there to serve you.
14. No, I do not know that person.
People always assume that everyone on Long Island knows everyone. There are an estimated 7.5 million people living on Long Island so it's nearly impossible that I know your one friend.
15. Which city?
Everyone on Long Island refers to NYC as the city so when I'm talking about the city people always ask what city. There is only one city worth knowing and that is NYC.
16. You hang out in parking lots
Many of my nights ended up in some parking lot with my best friends reminiscing our childhood, listening to throwback songs, and talking about life. These are the nights that no one will forget and will last forever.
17. You actually had a Sweet 16 party?
Growing up on Long Island, mostly everyone had a big extravagant sweet 16 like they had shows about. You either had one with the big, poofy gowns or have been to at least one in your lifetime.
18. Nothing will ever live up to Long Island.
No matter how many times you've said, "I can't wait to I leave this island," you always will find a reason to always go back home. You can always leave the island, but you can never replace the island.
