The Chicago suburbs -- or most commonly known as the "burbs" -- were magical but boring places that we grew up in. However, there are certain experiences that only people who grew up in the Chicago suburbs will understand...

1. You tell others you're from Chicago

When you have to tell people you’re from Chicago because it’s too hard to explain what “Northlake” is.

2. You've taken the train to the city

Metra is both your best friend and your worst enemy.

3. When you graduated and realized you don’t get Casimir Pulaski Day off anymore.

4. When the best Christmas shopping was located at an OUTDOOR MALL. IN DECEMBER.

5. When you have to find alternate methods of transportation during a blizzard because school still isn’t canceled for some reason.

6. When you have to go all the way out to Gurnee now if you want to ride a roller coaster

7. When your suburb embarrassed you by trying to add culture and ended up just stealing from other cities.

Because really, who can tell the difference between Niles and Pisa? Oh wait, literally everyone.

8. You have no problem spelling or pronouncing "Des Plaines"

9. You measure distance in minutes (especially "from the city").

10. You drink "pop."

11. Growing up, you were weirdly biased against kids from other suburbs.

12. You have at least one friend who is scared of going into the city