24 Signs You Grew Up In An Italian-American Household
Start writing a post
Relationships

24 Signs You Grew Up In An Italian-American Household

You know you're Italian when...

8242
24 Signs You Grew Up In An Italian-American Household
http://cdn1.theodysseyonline.com/files/2015/10/15/635805329735177802367290864_Europeworld.com_.jpg

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be part of one of those big, crazy, Italian families? If so, look no further.

And if you're lucky enough to be a part of one, here are things you'll surely understand.

1. Your extended family is big enough to populate a small country.

Family reunions have to be held in banquet halls.

2. It takes 20 minutes to say goodbye to all your family.

So you get used to planning accordingly.

3. You have an uncanny amount of relatives with the same name.

Wait, which Tony are we talking about again?

4. You spent a good deal of your childhood wondering what exactly a "stunata" was.

And why are there so many?

5. Sundays are for spending time with the family.

Sunday dinners > every other dinner.

6. You have relatives who aren't really relatives.

But you never question it.

7. You recognize this man immediately.


A.k.a the one and only Padre Pio.

8. None of your family believes you if you make the mistake of telling them that you are not actually hungry.

Because there’s always room for more. Now mangia!

9. There are only two volumes that exist: loud and louder.

No, it’s not a shouting match, just a normal conversation.

10. Nutella was a staple in your life long before people started to like it.


Now hop off the Nutella bandwagon.

11. Need tomatoes? Basil? Don't bother going to the store, it's already ripe in the backyard garden.


No Italian house is complete without one.

12. There is never an occasion where meatballs are not appropriate.

These two were on to something.

13. Pasta is a way of life.


And it’s eaten for all occasions, including holidays such as the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

14. Pastina, on the other hand, is the cure for everything.


Sick? Pastina. Tired? Pastina. Cold? Pastina.

15. You love your cousin Vino.


As soon as you could stand, you stomped the grapes. And you know nothing compares to some homemade vino.

16. You are a sauce snob.

If it’s not homemade, I don’t want it.

17. Your family’s idea of a serving size is completely off kilter.

Ask for "little bit of pasta” and you get served enough spaghetti and meatballs to end world hunger.

18. Because your mouth was full of food all the time, you had to learn talk with your hands.


And now you can’t talk without using them.

19. The ultimate struggle: trying to get your Nonni to actually join the table and eat.


Because God forbid she eat the food she just spent hours cooking.

20. You never go to or leave a relative’s house empty-handed.


It’s an unspoken rule.

21. Nothing beats the parties. What’s better than an excuse to get together with the family, pop some upon bottles of homemade wine, and eat too much?


This includes graduations, birthdays, holidays and of course, weddings.

22. Speaking of weddings, we all know the tarantella is one of the best moments.


You were born with the tarantella in your veins.

23. You love being Italian, and love telling people you are even more.


And of course, you love meeting other Italians.

24. But most of all, you love being a part of a big, crazy, Italian family.

And wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71147
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133024
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments