The Bay Area of Northern California is a beautiful place known for its diversity and revolutionary politics. For those of you who've grown up here, as I have, I'm sure you can relate to a couple of these, if not more. If you watch an episode of "Portlandia," and feel that you can strongly relate and that the show actually is about the Bay Area, this is for you. Even if you've just come here recently either for school or work, you'll probably read a few of these and think "yup that's my life." And if you don't, you should probably move back to So Cal. Or at least Silicon Valley ...

1. You will wait in a absurdly long line just because it's "the best"

World's best organic ice cream with insane flavors that change daily? Long line. The best and most authentic burrito in the U.S.A.? Long line. Crazy-stupid-expensive fair trade extra-dark roast coffee with homemade almond milk? Long line. Gluten-free, hand-crafted wood-fired pizza? Long line. Cold-press juices that cost more than a decent bottle of wine ... you get the picture. And the crazy thing is, all of these places seem worth the wait. Maybe it's the hype, or maybe we automatically assume a place is good because of the long line, and therefore, it tastes good by default. Either way, we love our lines.

2. Getting handed at least 10 fliers a day and people with clipboards harassing you are the norm.

"Hi! Would you like to change religions today?"

"Hi! Would you like to save the whales today?"

"Hi, don't you care about children?"

Don't get me wrong, I love a good charity cause—my sorority annually raises top funding for St. Jude Children's research hospital—but there are only so many causes I can donate to. I really do care about the children and the whales, but I would also would like to afford our city's astronomically high rents. So, I just smile take the flyer and kindly go on my way. Sometimes it's a coupon which is fun. Just as there is a Starbucks on every corner, this corner also has the clipboard person or a flyer person. The ironic thing is that most of these are environmental initiatives, yet they are distributing so much paper that ends up in the trash can a block or two down ... which brings me to my next fun tidbit.

3. You better bring that reusable bag everywhere

Those little plastic baggies are a thing of the past. You need something solid and sturdy to carry all that kale, kombucha and acai berry juice in and don't even think about asking for a bag. That'll cost you a hefty 10 cents. When you do remember your bags, you feel like such a model citizen for saving the environment, and when you forget, you're furious about that fee. But it's okay, they make really cute reusable bags now, not just those canvas or hemp ones that your weird hippie aunt used to carry stuff in. In recent years, there have been some other recent bans as well, including styrofoam and soda. I'm all for promoting health and eco consciousness, but I'm starting to get the feeling that we just really like banning stuff.

While this holds true for much of the nation's youth, for us in the Bay Area, it is even more true that our tech devices own our souls. I bet you've never even looked up from a screen since 2002. Most people here either work for a tech company, have in the past, want to work for one of these companies in the future or at least know someone who does. Maybe you've even created your own app. If you answered no to any of these questions, you're basically a Neanderthal by Bay Area standards.

5. Your iPhone Charger isn't the only thing you plug in.

Love for the environment and technological advancements make the perfect marriage as electric cars and hybrids. Yes, you'll see more of these on our Bay Area streets, freeways and bridges than in most places in the country. Mostly hybrid Priuses, which come fully equipped with an Obama sticker from BOTH campaigns. Parking garages have special plug-in stations, sometimes with the perk of free parking because you did the right thing by buying electric! More recently, some really fancy people have been buying Teslas and have filled me with insane jealousy whenever I see one drive by. In fact, I'm pretty much certain that your social circle will shun you if you drive an SUV, especially a Hummer, that's basically ASKING to get egged. That is, if you even still drive. The hardcore Bay Area peeps don't even own a car, they walk, bike or take public transport everywhere, even if it adds a full hour to their commute. A Tesla in every garage! #goals

6. You reap the full benefits of gentrification while still complaining about it.

A rather harsh and controversial aspect of the Bay Area in recent years is the gentrification of certain neighborhoods in parts of San Francisco and Oakland. This is pretty much a whole new article in itself. But it's given rise to some pretty highly rated dining options, and astronomical rent prices for basically a mouse hole with really hip exposed brick and a new safer and hipper reputation. But there are upscale cupcake shops and imported cheese markets right next to your neighborhood tattoo parlor now, so I guess that's kinda cool.

7. You can eat your way around the world in a day.

Craving Ethiopian food? No prob, I know a place. Peruvian? Burmese? You got it dude! Most of us cannot afford to visit everywhere on the map, but we can at least seek out the cuisine of pretty much any country, region or ethnic group in the Bay Area. If you go to the right place, and consult your friends who are actually from these places (yay for being in one of the most diverse places on the planet!), you can find THE MOST authentic and best places. If you walk into the place and hardly any English is being spoken, you know it's good. We regard Panda Express and Chipotle with disdain as places for the un-cultured (but we'll still totally go there for the guac).

THIS VIEW! Am I right?