As an Italian, I grew up a little… different than others. Growing up Italian means having your friends constantly ask why there’s meat hanging from your garage ceiling, why there was homemade pasta at every barbecue, and why my Nonna kept loading their plates with food even though they said that they were full. So, if you grew up Italian, too, you will probably relate to the following!

*Side note: these are my own personal pictures from my own crazy, Italian family!

1. Having the traditional Sunday Dinner at 2:00 p.m., and having your friends ask why you have your entire family over for dinner at lunch time.

2. People referring to you as a “guido” for wearing a gold chain and being perfectly groomed.

3. Running for your life at the sight of this:

4. Turning your garage into a deli by hanging homemade soppressata from the ceilings. This also ignites a frightened and confused reaction amongst your friends.

5. Padre Pio everywhere.

6. Your backyard becomes a family run factory making homemade tomato sauce.

7. You know better.

8. “Have a little”

9. Understanding that there are no cookies in here — it’s just a sewing kit.

10. “Is your dad in the mafia?”

11. Having six cousin Maria's and four Zia Maria’s.

12. Having people ask what the “chili pepper” on your necklace is.

*For those who don’t know, this thing is called a Cornicello

13. Never having to buy tomatoes, basil, etc. because your backyard looks like this

14. You can always depend on your relatives cause they always "know a guy."

Whether it be someone to repair your sink or someone to photograph your wedding, someone in your family knows a guy.

15. People on the outside can never pronounce your name or your family's.

My name is Alessia, and people who don't know me call me Aleesia, Alyssa, Alicia

16. Having homemade pasta and/or pizza at every family barbecue, confusing every non-Italian there...