If I was any good at programming (or at least working the Odyssey dashboard), I would make a legitimate quiz for you all, detailing every reason that you are a certain "Parks and Recreation" character, because this is some serious stuff.

Unfortunately, I can only name so many! So here are a few possible characters of many that you may connect with.

While airing my radio show with a friend (or maybe it was after, I can’t recall exactly), the topic of the TV show "Parks and Recreation" came up. If you really want to know, it’s because I told my friend she laughs like Ron Swanson.

Ron

(Click this for a literal 10 minute Ron Swanson Giggle compilation)

We also pointed out her pseudo-misanthropy and generally quiet demeanor. Ron is hilarious because of his complete lack of respect for the government, but he's also endearing because even though he claims he doesn't want people to get attached to him, he still acknowledges their feelings and works in their best interests.

Honestly, this friendship is awesome.

Leslie

I remarked that I wanted to be Leslie Knope because of her caring and hilarious personality, plus her love of breakfast food that resonates like, in my soul.

Honestly, can you ever go wrong with waffles?

Leslie seriously believes in the profound power of listening to people and caring and trying. She isn't afraid to take risks, but she also minimizes these risks by being super well prepared pretty much all the time. The amount of effort she puts into the things she cares about is amazing.

Not to mention her beautiful friendship with Ann Perkins and her deep care and respect for all women. One word: Galentines. She basically dedicates February 13th, the day before Valentines Day, to recognize the accomplishments of the women in her life as well as celebrate their friendship. How awesome is that? For Leslie, it's the best day of the year.

I love this.

But I knew in my heart, even though I want to be her so bad, I’m not Leslie Knope. Not yet.

In reality, I’m most like Ben Wyatt, who is the city auditor, a lover of calzones and (Spoilers, maybe) husband to Leslie.

Ben

He’s serious, but also can loosen up, and he loves "Star Trek." He looks up to and respects Leslie for her quirky, but kind character. He straight up worries about fictional characters the execution of the production of the things he enjoys.

Same, Ben. Same.

Of course, there's also Ben's tendency to not leave things alone. And I'm going to be real here. I'm going to admit that I do this sometimes. Maybe a little. In fact, here's another GIF because it just gets me.

I cannot apologize. This is who I am.

There is no shame in loving TV shows and movies with an intense passion. Or writing fanfiction about these shows / movies. Or buying a huge and ridiculously accurate Batman suit at the mall.

(What?)

It's fun, OK.

And speaking of spending a ridiculous amount of money on things that you enjoy...

Donna

Donna is so hilariously good at what she does. All she needs to do is look at the camera and maybe lift and eyebrow and I'm laughing like an actual hyena. Honestly, she's pretty judgmental, but so is every other person on the show; it's the fact that usually she doesn't even say anything and you just know.

Feel that judgement wash over you.

She also has an amazing sense of what she wants, and she's not afraid to voice her opinions. (At the same time, she knows when it'd be best to just not say anything.) Donna's policy on men is honestly the best. She's assertive and willing to take charge -- definitely not someone hanging onto a guy. If anything, the men are all pining after her!
Plus, she's the co-founder of probably the most famous thing to come out of "Parks and Recreation."

Give yourself a day to indulge in the things you wouldn't normally, like: new shoes, that ridiculous jacket, a trampoline. Just do it. Do it for you.

And now, how could I bring up "treat yo self" without talking about the second co-founder...

Tom

He can be cute, kinda.

Honestly, Tom Haverford can be so annoying and I guarantee you will want to tell him to shut up at least once about every episode. But he's also very self-conscious and tries very hard to achieve his dreams, even though he actually doesn't know all the much about running a legitimate business. He's a bona fide human being.

Plus he sometimes gives really good advice and is willing to open up to other people about his insecurities and also theirinsecurities.

Then there's this:

Kinda true, tbh.

Jerry

Jerry Gergich.

(Whose actual name is Garry? What the heck?)

Jerry is just a big mess. Everyone at the office makes fun of him, and yeah, sometimes it's pretty messed up, but also it's hysterical. He's not really that bad. In fact, he tries to do a good job and just waits for retirement, mostly. Of course, his passivity doesn't help when it comes to the jokes that his coworkers make.

I mean just look at this.

There's actually an episode where Jerry gets mugged (or at least pretends he was) and that leads to this whole issue about park safety. Andy Samberg makes an appearance as a super loud park ranger and Leslie does an impression of Tom that will always be in my heart.

I am so glad to live in a time when this show exists.

So, do you think you're any of these characters? Do you watch "Parks and Recreation" and hate that I left out other characters? Or maybe do you not watch "Parks and Recreation" and now wish that you did?

Well, all seven seasons are now on Netflix, and I'm sure you can find them elsewhere, too.

Happy watching!