Jul 21, 2014 03:37 PM EDT
If you had a half-way decent childhood, then reminiscing about growing up is probably something you do every now and then. And if you grew up in a Latino family, then you know there are certain things central to your childhood that other people just won't get--but you can't forget. Let's celebrate them, shall we?
Here are the top five signs you grew up Latino:
The Smell of Latin Cooking Takes You Back
Latin family life typically centers around food--and church (let's be real). That means you've probably spent a good half of your life eating or spending time with your family while they eat. So when the aroma of arroz con pollo or arroz con frijoles (arroz con anything, really), fresh tortillas being made or some form of fajitas hits your nostrils, you can't help but feel like your back in your mom's kitchen waiting for whatever goodness she's making to be ready to eat.
La Chancleta
Discipline is a huge part of any Latino family, because you just don't talk back to your mom--in theory. I mean, what kid doesn't mouth of occasionally? I did. But I knew that when I did I had to beware of what came next. La chancleta.
Or la cuchara, or anything mami could get her hands on, because let's face it, she probably had her hands full (literally) when you decided to talk back to her and just grabbed whatever was within reach and started swinging away at your disrespectful face. Ah, memories.
Primer Impacto and Sabado Gigante
If you know what these are, congratulations. You're Latino. Seriously, if Univision was ever on at your house--and not by accident--for more than five seconds at a time, you are part of la raza. And if that's the case, I don't have to tell you who Walter Mercado and Don Francisco are. So I won't. Moving on.
Kiss on the Cheek
Shaking hands? Psh. No. If your first instinct when you greet someone is to lean in and plant one on the side of their face, your Latin mama raised you right. Although, let's face it, for certain relatives this can be more awkward than for others.
Vix Vapor Rub
Yes. At last we come to the ultimate sign that you are guaranteed to be a Latino. Vix Vapor Rub. If your abuela ever put this on your chest when you had a cold, or on your feet or forehead, you know what I'm talking about. It's the most uncomfortable, and yet somehow soothing feeling imaginable. Truly indescribable. Sabes que?
