Long story short, I was born and raised on a tiny island in the Pacific, called Saipan. We make up the Northern Mariana Islands along with the islands of Rota and Tinian, just north of the island of Guam. Complicated much? (Yes, you’re going to be seeing the word “island” a lot in this article). Anyway, we are all United States territories as well as the island of American Samoa (No, we are not considered International btw). However, the most well-known island in the Pacific would be the islands of Hawaii, which is also the 50^th state in the United States of America. Now, if you're from any of these islands this list is for you:

1. You know 100 different ways to cook SPAM:

Spam Musubi, Spam Fried Rice, Spam Omelet, etc. My personal favorite is Spam Kelaguen, from the islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

2. Life's a Beach

Like literally, your answer to everything is the beach. “What do you wanna do?” Go to the beach. “Where do you live?” The beach. “Where do you want to celebrate your birthday?” The beach. “Are you stressed?” Let’s go to the beach.

3. You receive massive leis during graduations

Not to mention, MONEY LEIS

4. You wear slippers (NOT flip-flops)

I remember asking someone in the mainland where my “slippers” were once. In response, they said “You mean flip-flops? Oh right. You’re from Hawaii.” Correction: I’m from Saipan. Also, you get slipper tan lines because you have different slippers for different occasions.

5. You give directions verbally (GPS is a no-no)

“You know _______’s house? Three houses pass _____ Market? You turn right when you see it, then go straight. When you reach the mango tree, take a left.”

6. Gas costs an arm, a leg, an eye and your dog.

7. Your favorite band/artist will never tour your island

Unless they’re Common Kings, Kolohe Kai, or Spawnbreezie, probably not.

8. You don't even have to check the weather.

9. People in the mainland thinks your ID is fake

Walking to a rave/bars and you get stopped like … “May I see your ID? Please wait here.” So they can get a better look.

10. You crave for the island-style meal from McDonald's

11. You have your own island lingo.

These are some expressions from the islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota, while American Samoans be like "Sole uso". Hawaiians have manyyyy expressions but PIDGIN, though, is the most popular one.

12. Island Entertainment is the best.

13. You're probably related to everyone on the island, unless you're not local.

Although in some instances, you may end up dating your cousin whom you never met or heard of before.

14. Rice is on every menu.

It's not a restaurant unless there's rice on the menu. Even KFC has rice on their menu.

15. Shipping cost is as/more expensive than the actual item, and when it finally arrives:

Not to mention, some shopping sites don't even ship to my island.

16. Your ex's mom was your uncle's friend's sister, who dated your cousin.

Confusing? Yeah, pretty much.

17. You yell "CHEEEEEHOOOO!!" when cheering

In a party? CHEEHOO!! In a graduation ceremony? CHEEHOO!! In a concert? CHEEHOO!! Last day of school? CHEEHOO!!

18. You got 99 problems on the road and TOURIST DRIVERS are all of 'em.

Like literally, tourists would stop in the middle of the road just to take a picture of the beach/scenery.

19. Local food is the best.

20. You may go to the mainland for college/work, your heart will always be in the islands.

Let's pretend the starfish I'm holding is a heart.