First, let me clarify what an Austinite is. Austinite is a noun used to describe a person living in the city of Austin, Texas. But there are many key points to pay attention to if you wish to become a true Austinite, not just another city dweller. So listen up — this is important.

1. Accept the population size.

Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in America, so if you want to truly become a “local,” you must accept the fact that traffic will almost always be bad. But sitting bumper to bumper will give you plenty of time to become an excellent critic of other people’s driving abilities (or lack there of). Which leads right into the next point:

2. Come to the realization that you, and only you, are an excellent driver, and everyone else is horrible.

I mean, it’s true, right?

3. Know that everyone in a 50 mile radius will say that they are from Austin.

Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Round Rock… they all say Austin. So if someone says they're from ATX, don’t expect a little hip-skip-and a jump to their front door.

4. Begin to consider yourself a foodie.

You get extra Austinite credit if you tell others all about the great all-natural, organic, 100 percent locally sourced juice place that you discovered.

5. Think “tourist” at everyone taking pictures in front of the I Love You So Much wall.

Take a photo when they’re done with theirs.

6. Start posting artsy photos of your artsy Austinite life.

Great backgrounds all over. This beautiful city has the potential to seriously up your Instagram game. #nofitlerneeded

7. Go paddle boarding.

If for nothing else, go to be able to later talk about your wonderful experience enjoying an Austin favorite. This will really impress people from out of town.

8. Go to Toms for the coffee.

If anyone asks why you’re still wearing Toms in 2016, feel no shame! Tell them that you bought them the last time you stopped into the store for coffee. “Yes, Toms really does sell coffee, and yes, it really is good.”

9. Go swim in Barton Springs even though you’ll be miserably cold the whole time.

Your teeth will probably be chattering so hard that you’ll lose a molar. But hey, look at you being an Austinite.

10. Run around Town Lake.

Attempt to dodge that man riding his bike, the dog running 20 yards ahead of the owner, the pack of power walking moms and the 10,000 other people who have decided to run at the same time as you.

11. Begin to do your work in a cafe.

For example, I am currently typing this in Summer Moon Fire-roasted Coffee House. I’m clearly a seasoned Austin veteran.

12. Smile at people. Say hi.

We are a friendly city, and a truly happy one at that. So smile at others, wave often and say hello to those you run into (because you will run into people; see point one).

So there you have it. The 12 most important things to know if you want to become an Austinite or even just improve your status as a local. So go forth and take your great, happy, traffic-hating, juice-loving self and rep this city with pride.