Living in the States for the past 4 years, I often forgot I was in another country. Canada & the United States are such close neighbours, so we tend to have a lot in common. However, once & a while I would quickly be reminded of my roots (& Roots). So, in honour of the day the place I am so lucky to call home was born, I’m sharing 5 signs you’re a Canadian.

1. You know the lingo.

The number one way people can tell I’m Canadian is because of my vocab (I also apparently have an accent, but I’m gonna let that one slide cause I really don’t hear it). From garburator (garbage disposal) to ghost car (undercover cop car) to toque (beanie), turns out there is a lot of Canadian slang that gives us away.

2. You prefer Smarties over M&M’s.

From poutine to Nanaimo bars, Canada has it’s own cuisine. You don’t realize what you’re missing until you come to Canada & try it yourself.

3. No matter where we go, we always know where home is & we’re proud to show it.

Even when I was traveling all over Europe, I always wore a Canadian flag on my bag to remind me of home. It also helped me meet other Canadians abroad!

4. You know Ryan Reynolds is Canadian.

& Ryan Gosling & Jim Carrey & Martin Short & Rachael McAdams & Michael J. Fox & Drake & Mike Myers & Michael Cera & Keanu Reeves & Will Arnett & Sandra Oh & Neil Young. & of course you’re not afraid to tell everyone.

5. You don’t know why everyone else doesn’t want to be Canadian too.

Happy birthday Canada! I’m so glad you were born.