Whether you're Irish, Russian, Portuguese, or any of the other numerous nationalities, you know there are certain characteristics of your ethnic group that make them stand out to the rest. Sometimes these signs are viewed as stereotypes, but let's be real-- they're usually pretty spot on. I grew up in a very big, Italian family, and there are definitely some telltale signs of being Italian.

1. You spend most Sundays (if not every one) at your Grandma's house.

After church, the sauce will be made and the pasta (not macaroni) will be served with some nice red wine (yes before noon).

2. On special occasions, you have to give your superstitious, Italian women family members a penny if they give you jewelry.

I still have no idea why, and I'm not entirely sure they know why either, but it's an unspoken agreement at this point, so I always make sure to have pennies in my bag.

3. On holidays and maybe even day-to-day if you're a woman, you are always serving the men.

Your uncle most definitely has legs, but there's no way he's getting up to get himself another espresso, so get moving.

4. There is so much food on Christmas Day and Easter.

But if you don't eat so much that your clothes are about to start popping open, you're deemed anorexic. Seriously, I'm still surprised by the amount of courses every year.

5. Everyone is so. freaking. loud.

You can always point out the Italian family in public places, but we're most definitely not going to quiet down.

6. Someone is always not talking to someone else in the family.

We wouldn't be Italian without some drama.

7. You grew up with suspicions that your family might actually be in the mob.

But then you realized that they just feel personally connected to The Sopranos and The Godfather. I've gotten the "I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse" when asking for something.

8. You have an older family member who 100 percent has their entire life savings somewhere in their house because they don't believe in banks.

And it's not somewhere hidden, it's probably under the mattress.

9. If someone in the family is dating someone that's not Italian, no one can stop asking about it.

"Ahhh, so a Jew, eh? I'll serve him pepperoni when he comes over next." [crippling laughter].

10. You have a family member named Joe and/or Angela.

Traditional names are everything.

11. You will do absolutely anything for any of your family members.

Family first, always.

My big, Italian family is so important to me, and-- as crazy as we all are-- I wouldn't have it any other way.