There's a lot of unhealthy addictions in this world, but one of the best addictions someone can have is an addiction to sweet tea.

I will never be ashamed to admit my love for sweet tea. Nothing beats an ice-cold tea in a mason jar on a hot day. Many of us who are addicted to sweet tea have grown up drinking it, so we also have a lot of memories being surrounded by family enjoying the beverage. As a sweet tea addict myself, there are some tell-tale signs to know if you are also addicted to this delicious drink.

1. Flavored teas are taken as a personal insult

Raspberry iced tea? No thank you. The only fruit I want with my tea is a sliced lemon. I will not accept strange flavors in my tea as a “fun twist”. I like it just the way it is.

2. You’re out of luck if you travel north

There is nothing like the disappointment of going out to eat while on vacation somewhere in the northern states and realizing that the only tea they have is the kind that tastes like lake water. They will kindly ask if you want iced tea instead, but you just settle for water.

3. You have a favorite brand

There are lots of sweet tea options, and while there might not be one you hate, you definitely have a preference. Whether it’s Gold Peak, Lipton, or your grandma’s sweet tea (a personal favorite), there’s always one you’ll crave the most.

4. Sugar packets + unsweet tea does ≠ sweet tea

You have made the mistake of trying to make do at a restaurant that doesn’t have sweet tea, but no matter how many sugar packets you add to the tea, it just won’t be the same.

5. You might not speak up much, unless you are given unsweet tea

I rarely correct waiters unless there is something majorly wrong with my order, but if I get unsweet tea instead of sweet tea, you better believe I will politely ask for my sweet tea.

6. Your dentist has gotten on you for some stains

I have definitely been reprimanded for the stains on my teeth. They don’t come from coffee or soda, just years of good ole’ sweet tea.

7. You can never have too much

There’s nothing like the moment you realize you’ve realized you’ve already had three full glasses of sweet tea- before the meal has even arrived. You can’t help it! Not much else can quench your thirst on a summer day besides a nice cold glass of sweet tea.