Going out of state to college was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only did it force me to take a step out of my comfort zone, but it taught me a lot about myself and those around me. With over two and a half years down at FSU, I've started to think about just how much I've learned in college. But, by far, the best thing I've learned? Floridians are weird.
Now, I'm not trying to pull a Marco Rubio on the state of Florida, but during my time as a temporary Floridian, I've witnessed a lot of strange things and habits that my in-state students do. So, my dear Floridians, I have a few questions for you about these habits. Maybe you can help an alien to your species understand your ways.
1. Why do you wear flip flops when you are not at the beach?
Not only do these shoes make noises when you walk, they also are quite the questionable fashion sense. Especially when you wear them with jeans. Please stop that.
2. What is your obsession with Publix?
Now I come from a state that has Publix all over the place and, yes, Pub subs are good, but y'all's obsession with them is on a whole other level. Publix is The Holy Land in your eyes. It's good -- just calm it down and stop suggesting it for every meal.
3. Why do you guys insist on going home for spring break?
Yes, I understand you have a beach in your backyard or down the street, but that doesn't mean you have to go home for break. Us out-of-state aliens don't have that luxury, so compromise with us. I promise there are great beaches out there that you haven't been to -- even ones outside of Florida (#OMG #wut).
4. Why do y'all immediately put on a sweater when the temp drops below 70 degrees?
Most of the country would consider this beautiful weather! But in Florida, I've literally seen people shivering at 65 degrees. Once, on campus, I even saw some people break out Uggs. Please don't do that.
5. Why do y'all make up your own words?
It took me nearly a year into college to start to understand what most of y'all were talking about when you said stuff like "Pero Like," "Boca," "Chonga," "Dale" and "305," just to name a few. But seriously, is everyone obsessed with their area codes? I can't tell you how many Instagram bios I've seen with random numbers. Help the rest of the world out and explain the slang to us, please!
This list could go on and on, but I've kept it short and sweet in the hopes of not offending anyone. Bu,t honestly, Floridians - y'all be weird. But, then again, I guess we could all say the same thing about our own states. After all, I come from the state where Honey Boo Boo rests her head.
