Growing up Irish is the best thing to have happened to me. It’s not just my nationality, but it’s my identity. Being Irish has taught me to be strong, independent, loving, and above all how to have fun. The following are things you’ve definitely experienced growing up Irish:

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1. You have a huge family.

Your family parties are always filled with so many relatives (there are probably people there that you didn’t even know you were related to). It’s also common for a relative to approach you and start a conversation and you play along even though you have no clue what their name is because your family is just that big.

2. Tea is a lifestyle.

Your counter always has a jar of sugar sitting on it and your fridge is fully stocked with milk. You always have to be prepared for the multiple cups of tea you’ll be drinking each day. Tea is the solution to a bad day or the perfect ending to a good day.

3. Potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes.

It is actually physically impossible to avoid eating carbs when you’re Irish. You most likely eat some form of potatoes with every single meal. Whether they’re mashed, baked, boiled or fried- you’ll eat them and enjoy every bite.

4. Sunday mornings are for family.

Growing up as an Irish catholic, you go to church with your family every Sunday morning. You then have a nice Irish breakfast with your family (of course there will be potatoes and tea involved). Sunday mornings are a routine that doesn’t change.

5) You have a claddagh ring

Love, loyalty, and friendship. You’ve gotten at least one claddagh ring for Christmas or your birthday from a relative (my grandma gave me my first one). You know exactly what finger you have to wear it on and what it means when its facing inward and what it means facing outward.

6. You identify with a certain county.

There are 32 counties in Ireland, and each one is special to specific people. For me, Kilkenny and Leitrim will always hold a special place in my heart. And you certainly know the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

7. You have the urge to correct someone every time they call it an Irish accent.

It’s not an Irish accent, it’s an Irish brogue. Even though both terms are technically correct, to a truly Irish family, brogue is the only correct term. If you’re really familiar with Irish culture, you can normally get an idea of where in Ireland someone is from based on his or her brogue.8. You grew up listening to Irish music

You’ve gone to so many Irish dinner dances that you can’t help but sing along to the songs they play. You’re guilty of knowing every word to the classics such as, “A Nation Once Again” and “Galway Girl”.

9. St. Paddy’s day is the best day of the year.

Let’s clarify, it’s St. Paddy’s day, not St. Patty’s day. Growing up in an Irish family, you understand this is a religious holiday. You look forward to the corned beef and cabbage that your parents make and you must have a slice of your mom’s famous Irish soda bread.

10. Family is the most important thing to you.

Your family is overly large, but you love every single person in it. These are the people that are there for you no matter what and will always love you unconditionally. The Irish bond is the strongest type.

I take pride in my heritage. I’m thankful for my Irish family for guiding me in every step of my life. I know my life will always be filled with happiness and laughter due to my Irish family.