I have a huge extended family- on both sides. Having a big family always makes life a little more interesting, and if you too have a huge family, here are 13 things you know to be true.

1. It's always loud.

Family parties get loud and rowdy. Quite frankly, I don't think any of us really know how to talk quietly. Also, I don't think any of us ever really stop talking.... ever.

2. There's always food.

A family gathering without food is unfathomable. Besides each other's company, it's the thing we look forward to the most. Also, your family won't believe you if you say you aren't hungry.

3. Going out to eat together is a hassle... for the restaurant.

The poor restaurant staff didn't know what was coming for them. I sincerely feel bad every time we walk in a restaurant trying to get a table for an absurd amount of people and telling the waitress how to split the checks.

4. Birthdays were the greatest.

You always knew you could count on cards from all of your aunts and uncles and cousins, and a ton of them.

5. Everyone's related to you somehow.

You have countless first, second, third, who even knows how you're related cousins. But, you're still as close with them even if you're only borderline related. It makes sense to us, okay?

6. You already know you'll have a big wedding.

Seriously, even with family only- my wedding is going to be pretty huge. Weddings are always eventful when your family is there.

7. You also know your wedding will have to have an open bar.

Enough said.

8. Saying hello to everyone takes half an hour alone

Walking into a family party means having to greet everyone, which can take up a significant portion of your time actually spent at the party. Oh, and saying goodbye takes even longer.

9. Nothing's too personal.

We're all incredibly comfortable with each other, no matter how many of us there are. You feel right at home at each of your family member's houses, so anything goes.

10. Bringing people to meet your family is overwhelming.

Especially if they aren't from a big family, meeting so many people at once is probably scary for your friends. The ones who aren't scared off are the keepers.

11. There's always a story.

You've heard some crazy things throughout your life. Your huge family keeps you entertained because there's always a story. Whether it's something from somebody's childhood or something that just happened the grocery store, there's never a moment of silence.

12. You relate a lot to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

No movie has ever been more applicable (just the non-Greek, but Portuguese/Italian version for us) to my family. We know it. We embrace it, and we quote the movie at family events regularly and casually.

13. In the end, you wouldn't trade it for the world.

There's nothing I love more than having a huge family around me that will always have my back. I don't think it's something you truly understand unless you have one yourself, and if you do, boy, you should count your blessings.