I'm 100% Greek, and there's a long list of things that are unique to Greeks. Whether it's something your Yiayia nags you about or walking into the house and knowing that spanakopita was just pulled out of the oven, you're one of us. Being Greek is like having a powerful virus, and once you get it, it's yours forever. Just think of the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" that's basically our lives.
1. Real Easter is not everyone else's "Easter".
Having to explain why we celebrate on a different day is torture. We follow a different calendar. Look it up.
2. And with that being said, Easter eggs only get dyed red.
Don't forget to put your egg in the freezer as soon as you get to Yiayia's house. You have to beat all your cousins this year. This is your year.
3. Your mom likes to pretend she wasn't born in America.
Although this isn't my mom, she's my Thea. And when you're Greek, Thea's are practically like your mom too.
4. If you don't like feta you're not really Greek.
Basic food groups: bread, feta and olive oil.
5. "You don't eat meat?"
You better know the follow-up line to this. But really, if you don't eat meat (especially lamb) are you even Greek?
6. Getting asked how accurate the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is.
Very accurate, in case you were wondering. Like literally everything is true. The root of every word is most definitely Greek.
7. Getting asked, "How do you spell that?" repeatedly.
Does that even fit on his jersey?
8. Even if you're not hungry, going to Yiayia's house means you're getting a three-course meal.
No matter how many times you tell her that you already ate, you'll have some sort of pastichio, baklava and coffee combo waiting for you.
9. You know approximately 8-10 people named Nick or Niko.
Yeah, including my dog.
10. Nobody uses measurements while cooking.
Literally what my mom gave me when I asked how she makes baklava.
11. When you tell Yiayia you have a boyfriend, the first question is "Is he Greek?"
And if he isn't Greek...well sorry. Keep looking.
12. You played soccer at least once in your life.
Whether you played for a club league and traveled or just played on your Jr. Olympics team for church, failing miserably, you understand that all Greeks love soccer.
13. You have an undying love for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A Greek boy in the NBA? Does it get much better? Also, have you heard his accent?
14. Your Yiayia has said to you before at least once, "Why don't you love me anymore?"
Even though you were probably at your Yiayia's house two days ago, she still says this every time she calls you.
15. You become instantly irritated when someone pronounces the "g" in "gyro".
But gyros are still your favorite thing to eat over the summer at your church's festival.
16. You have cousins named Maria, Yianni and Eleni.![]()
And probably 3 of each.
17. John Stamos is considered a Greek God.
And if you haven't seen the Greek themed episode of Full House you're doing something wrong.
18. You know that Greeks are the best and you wouldn't trade being Greek for the world.
In the end, we all find ourselves embracing our Greekness. Even away at college I find myself missing my giant family everyday. You never realize how great they are until you're gone.
