Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but it packs a big punch when it comes to its unique charm, local customs, and quirky habits. If you’ve called the First State home for a while, you’ve probably found yourself picking up on some things that only a true Delawarean would understand.
From the food you crave to the subtle ways you’ve adapted to life here, these seven signs are dead giveaways that you’ve lived in Delaware for far too long. If you can relate to any of these, it’s official: you’re a seasoned Delawarean.
1. You’re Obsessed with the Beaches, But You Don’t Call It the Shore
While many people from New Jersey or Pennsylvania refer to the coast as “the Shore,” Delawareans have a different term for their beloved beaches. You’ve probably corrected your friends who use the term “shore” because, in Delaware, it’s all about “the beaches.” Whether it’s Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, or Bethany Beach, you know the local spots, and you’re ready to defend their honor when someone else dares to call it anything else.
2. You’ve Got a Strong Opinion About “Delaware’s Tax-Free Shopping”
If you’ve spent any time in Delaware, you’ve certainly taken advantage of the state’s tax-free shopping. Whether you live near the tax-free shopping district or you make special trips to hit up the outlets, you know that no sales tax is a big deal. The idea of paying extra for items in neighboring states feels downright absurd, and you can’t help but proudly boast about this perk to anyone who’ll listen. Let’s be honest, you might even have a stash of items you picked up “just because” the tax savings were too good to pass up.
3. You’ve Mastered the Art of Avoiding 1-95 Traffic
Delaware is known for its proximity to major East Coast cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. If you’ve been in Delaware long enough, you’ve probably had a few frustrating encounters with traffic on Interstate 95. But you’ve learned how to navigate around the bottlenecks, avoiding the notorious congestion like a pro. You know the back roads, the shortcuts, and the best times of day to avoid the highway headaches. If you’ve ever managed to bypass the 1-95 traffic, you’ve officially earned your Delaware driving badge.
4. You Can’t Get Enough of Delaware Blue Crabs
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Crabs are serious business in Delaware. Whether you’re a fan of the old-school “crab boil” or the more refined crab cakes, you know that Delaware blue crabs are the real deal. In fact, you might have grown a little territorial about how these crabs should be prepared and served. You know exactly where to get the freshest catch, and you’ll never accept anything less than a perfectly seasoned crab dip. If you’ve picked crabs on the beach with friends or family, you can definitely say you’ve been in Delaware too long.
5. You’ve Got an Opinion About Every Local Deli
Delaware’s delis are a point of pride, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you have your favorites — and strong opinions about them. Whether it’s a particular style of sandwich or the classic soft roll, you know where to go for a deli sandwich that hits just right. If you’ve spent hours discussing the superiority of one deli over another, or whether or not a certain sandwich is worth the drive, you’re definitely a long-time Delawarean. Bonus points if you have a long-standing feud about which deli makes the best hoagie.
6. You Know “DE” Means Delaware—Not Just Any Abbreviation
For most of the country, “DE” might just be a random set of letters, but for you, it’s the shorthand for Delaware. You’ve probably found yourself dropping the “DE” abbreviation casually in conversation without even thinking twice. It’s a mark of true local pride — when you can shorthand the name of your home state and have everyone immediately know what you’re talking about. You even like to throw it around when you travel, just to see if other people know what it stands for.
7. You’ve Got “First State” Pride—And You’re Not Afraid to Show It
Delaware is the First State, and if you’ve been living here for long enough, you wear that fact like a badge of honor. You might have a license plate on your car proudly displaying “First State,” or perhaps you’ve got a collection of Delaware-themed memorabilia in your home. Whether you’re traveling around the U.S. or showing off at family gatherings, you’re always quick to remind people that Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution, making it the true birthplace of the United States. Your Delaware pride knows no bounds.
Living in Delaware means embracing its quirks, traditions, and a way of life that’s uniquely its own. If you’ve experienced any of these signs, it’s clear you’ve been in the First State for quite a while.
From obsessing over tax-free shopping to perfecting your crab-eating skills, Delaware has a way of getting under your skin — in the best way possible. If you can check off even one of these signs, then you know you’ve truly become a Delawarean through and through!
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If You Can Relate to These 7 Things, You’ve Definitely Lived in Delaware Too Long
If You Can Relate to These 7 Things, You’ve Definitely Lived in Delaware Too Long
If You Can Relate to These 7 Things, You’ve Definitely Lived in Delaware Too Long