We always knew there was something different about our family, and although we may roll our eyes at some of the things they did (and still do), you have to admit that growing up Latina is a pretty amazing experience—a point of pride! If you remember any of following scenarios, you were definitely raised by Latino parents. And are totally proud of it! As you should be!
1. You ask your parents and grandparents for a "bendicion" when you arrive and leave the house or when you talk to them on the phone.
2. Your house always smells like food. Mami has dinner made at 8 a.m. so the kitchen can stay clean all day. That being said, you weren’t allowed in the kitchen.
3. You know the difference between Adobo and Sazon and are surprised when someone says they've never heard of it. Excuse me, but how do you cook exactly?
4. You greet everyone with a kiss on the cheek. Even the people you don’t know, but somehow you’re related to.
5. Watching telenovelas was the best part of your day.
6. Abuela always had Vicks VapoRub and when you were sick you would get drenched in it. We still can’t stand the smell, but it apparently cures everything—cold, flu or broken leg.
7. It's normal to store pots and pans in the oven. Just remember to take them out before you preheat the oven.
8. Fried food is the best kind of food. Tostones, arepas, bacalaito, alcapurias...I mean literally the list just goes on and on.
9. No room is complete without a cross on the wall, a bible open on you bedside table or a photo of la Virgen or Jesus.
10. You've been drinking café con leche since you came out the womb. And that’s why we can’t function without it.
11. You grew up on shows like Primer Impacto and Sabado Gigante.
12. Cleaning the house involved Mami blasting her favorite tunes and dancing as she mopped.
13. Everyone in your family has a weird nickname. Like Beba or Bebo. (This is from personal experience.)
14. You randomly meet cousins you never even knew existed. Turns out you have about 576 (maybe more) of them spread all over the world.
15. You grew up watching cartoons and movies in Español.
16. You know that just because your abuela has a container of butter in the fridge doesn’t mean that there is actually butter in it. Recycling at its best.
17. Bread with butter and a cup of coffee (or Malta) IS a complete breakfast.
18. Your mami always had to meet the parents before you could spend the night at anyone’s house.
19. You celebrate Navidad and Dia de los Reyes. And you’re going to make sure your kids do the same.
20. You started wearing heels since the moment you started to walk, aka you’re a total pro.
21. Everyone in your family calls you “la prieta linda.” Or something really close to that.
22. Selena will always be your idol. Selena as in Selena Quintanilla.
