1. First things first: Where did you go to high school?
A true St. Louisan knows that one of the first questions you will ask upon meeting a stranger is, "Where did you go to high school?" It is almost in their nature to do so. Whether it was Ursuline Academy, CBC, MICDS, Visitation, Cor Jesu, SLUH, or one of the other 100 schools in the area, your high school holds a special place in your heart.
2. Good pizza slices are not triangles, they are in squares.
New Yorkers can claim they have the best, Chicago natives may rave about their deep dish, but we all know the truth. The best pizza comes from Saint Louis.
3. Forget ice cream, you know frozen custard is the way to go.
Nothing is better than a trip to Ted Drew's, Fritz's. or Andy's. It is what keeps us sane when the summer heat starts to creep up on us. Even when it is not summer, nothing can quite compare. Who wants a pumpkin spice latte, when they can have a pumpkin pie concrete?
4. Hoosier is in your vocabulary.
No hoosier is not a person from Indiana. It is just the perfect word for when red neck, or hick is just not cutting it.
5. You can recite the Shane Co. Commercial.
Even though the location may have changed, you still have the old commercial memorized. You also are happy to know you have a friend in the diamond business.
6. You have had to probably had to explain T-Ravs.
Toasted ravioli-a gift from the gods-is a Saint Louis staple. Chances are you have had to explain this delicacy to someone. The same goes for gooey butter cake and barbecue pork chops.
7. No matter what the sign may say it will always be Saint Louis Bread CO.
Bread CO. is great, and Saint Louisans are not complaining about being able to get their bacon turkey bravo from states away. Even though the sign may say Panera,you will always call it Bread CO.
8. You have a love for Forest Park.
New York City's Central Park has nothing on us. Not only are we larger, but we have some of the best activities. It is where you can hop on a paddle boat, grab a bite at the Boat House, feel cultured with a trip to the museum, experience the Muny, or go to zoo. Forest Park is beautiful. It is most likely where you had your first school field trip, saw your first elephant, and it is probably where you took your prom pictures. The nostalgia and love for Forest Park is all too real for a Saint Louisan.
9. You know how to have a good time.
Growing up next to the World's Largest Brewery, it is no question that natives know how to have a good time. Whether it is cracking open a Bud Light on a float trip, a trip to the lake, or summer concerts at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, we know how to have fun. Not to mention Saint Louis has some of the largest celebrations in the country for Mardi Gras and Saint Patrick's Day. Saint Louisans know how to have fun.
10. You wear red and bleed blue.
You love the Cardinals and the Blues as if they were members of your own family. You will defend them with all of your heart, and celebrate their wins as if you were a player. Sure, maybe they had some rough losses this year, but you still wear your Cardinals and Blues gear with pride. Win or lose, we still love our boys, and we are proud to be the best fans in the league.
11. Nelly makes you feel at home.
At the bar, at a house party, in the library doing my homework, whenever Nelly starts playing I have to take a moment. This hometown rapper has a way of reminding you of your roots. It could be because his songs take you back to middle school mixers, or it could be because he mentions Saint Louis in almost every song. Whatever the reason may be, Nelly has a way to make you feel at home.
12. No one will understand your hometown pride.
Saint Louis is one of a kind, and those not from there may never understand it. They might not get why you are so adamant on choosing Budweiser over Miller. They get frustrated when you refuse to settle for a Dairy Queen Blizzard. They may give you a funny look if you say "Hoosier." Your friends might get annoyed that whenever you go karaoking, your song of choice is "Hot in Here". With all that in mind though, you feel bad for them because they are just missing out. We are not perfect, but we know we are great. Even though we may leave, we always come back because nothing is better than Saint Louis, Missouri.
