1. The Only City You’ve Heard of Is Seattle

Nirvana, Macklemore, and can’t forget about the hot doctors at Grey’s Anatomy hospital, all of which come out of Seattle, and thank god they did. So why even bother about knowing any other place? But after moving here I found out that oddly enough there is more than just this one city. For instance, Olympia, which is the actual capital of Washington…who would have thought?

 

2. You Own an Umbrella

You’ve never found a need to own a raincoat; so, when you pull out your umbrella you realize something’s off. Be warned if you do so in front of a Washingtonian because you’ll immediately have tourist written on your forehead and be mocked for life by being “that” person.

 

3. You Think Gloomy Weather Is for Napping

You’re most likely sprawled out on the couch, surrounded by food, haven’t taken a shower, and have left your own personal indent in the couch; because I mean why go outside if its not even nice out? To be a local, you shouldn’t even notice the rain.

 

4. Starbucks Is Your Go-To Coffee Spot

Growing up you always went to Starbucks because it was the only place to really get coffee and you actually liked it. After moving to the Pacific Northwest you learn quickly what actual coffee tastes like. Plus, true locals seem to have the same general attitude toward Starbucks, “It sucks but I go.”

And, one tip to keep in mind is to ask for a drink at local coffee stands, not a Frappuccino. Starbucks created that name.

 

5. If The Water Isn’t Above 70 Degrees, Then Forget It

If you were raised in the south, then you know what I’m talking about. You were spoiled growing up and now refuse in get into freezing cold glacier water no matter how “hot” it is outside. You’ve experienced paradise and you’re not compromising, no matter how many whales there are.

 

6. You Can’t Pronounce Any of the Town Names.

Seriously though, who in the hell came up with all these names? Snoqualmie (Sno-qual-mee), Aeneas (ee-nee-us), Puyallup (pew-wall-up). Need I go on?

This is when you come to the realization that maybe if you just slur the names of the different cities, then you’ll be okay because it’s better than butchering them completely, right?

 

7. You Believe All of Washington Is Covered in Lush Evergreen Trees

Right? Wrong- while that may be true for Western Washington, it’s completely different on the East side. Central and Eastern Washington could double as the Midwest- it’s dry, windy, and even heavily. Yes, I said snow!

 

8. Your Thought Birkenstocks Were for Grandmas

Or, you probably didn’t even know what they were until you hit the streets of the PNW. But, it wasn’t just the grandma/Jesus looking shoe that made an impact; it was the wool socks and birks duo. And, regardless the weather condition they are worn all the time.

 

9. Your Kind of Conversations Is Quick and to The Point

If you’re from the East Coast your conversations are blunt, quick, and to the point. When we say time is money we’re not joking around.

Washingtonians will hold extremely long conversations, leaving you without having even answered the simple question you asked in the beginning.

People are also a friendlier in the PNW, compared to the Northeast. Which should be a good think…unless you’re in a hurry.

 

10. Yeah Go (Insert NFL team OTHER than the Seattle Seahawks)!

Ever heard of the 12th man? Well you should before you decide to come to WA. Not being a Seahawks fan in the state that bleeds green and blue is a bit frightening. You may not even care or watch football, but once you travel to WA you will soon find out that no matter where you go you’ll see people wearing or showing something Seahawks related.

I’m pretty sure that 99.9% of all Washingtonians became a Seahawks fan after the 2014 Super Bowl win… but we’ll let that go.