10 Signs You Have Caribbean Parents

New York City is known for many things: New York style bagels, vibrant nightlife, and our infamous traffic! To top it all off, The Big Apple is home to millions of immigrants, especially those from the Caribbean. If you’re first- or second generation-American, here are 10 signs you have Caribbean parents.

1) You’re too paranoid to have too many friends.

“Friends will lead you astray and won’t bring you back,” or “All skinned teeth ain’t a laugh” are two of many sayings your parents preach, and if you bring new friends around they’re guaranteed to get this look…

2) They get completely offended when they cook and you don’t eat their food.

Mom: I just finished cooking the curry potato, go and take some.

Me: I ate at John’s house, I’m not that hungry.

Mom:

3) All the home remedies—including the Vick’s Vapor Rub.

You have a cough?  Drink some tea.

You have a stuffy nose? Rub some Vapor on your chest.

You have hiccups? Plug your ears and hop on one leg.

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4) Hearing a long life story to explain the simplest idea or answer to a question.

5) Going around to each relative in the room to give them a hug and a kiss on the cheek. If there are 100 people, you better get moving!

Dad: When you get inside, go say good morning to everybody.

Everybody:

6) They speak in almost a completely different language.

Even if they’re speaking English. Sometimes, even the best of us get confused.

7) They know all the neighbors’ business…

8) …And they share it.

9) They play all their favorite calypso, soca, and/or reggae when it’s time to clean the house.

10) They’re proud of their country and you need to know it!

Nothing is louder than a Caribbean person on Labor Day.

No matter where you live, you know it’s true. These are sure signs you have Caribbean parents!

Featured image source: themoveny.com