Signora Sheila

Have you ever wondered if you might possibly have Italian roots somewhere in your family? Sometimes you can tell just by your surname. But if you’re not sure, try this fun test to discover if you are Italian, or at least Italian at heart!

You just might be Italian if…

1. You feel that a meal with less than 3 courses is just a snack.

After all, any real meal should include a primo (1st course), a secondo (2nd course), and side dishes. Followed by fruit and/or dessert (dolce). And it must always end with coffee, and maybe even started with a nice antipasto!

2. You feel cheated if a meal doesn’t include some form of pasta.

Or at least a nice risotto or pizza! Even though you know Italy doesn’t have a national dish, pasta is top on your list. After all, all true Italians eat it every day, if not twice a day. It’s simply inconceivable to do otherwise!

3. You hate poorly prepared food.

To you cooking is an art, and like all art forms, it deserves to be done with finesse and the best of ingredients.

4. Meals are social events.

You hate to eat alone because food should always be accompanied by the laughter and conversation of good company. And never rushed. You think nothing of spending 2-3 hours at the dinner table!

5. You cannot speak without using your hands and other body movements.

Your hands, body, and facial expressions all come alive when you talk. An exaggerated shrug of the shoulders, raised eyebrows, and hands constantly waving. After all, how else can you make yourself understood?

6. You find it difficult to speak without shouting.

So much so that people wonder if you’re deaf! Or think that maybe you’re angry all the time. They just don’t realize what a passionate person you are!

7. You have a loving, romantic soul.

And enjoy expressing it with flowers, chocolates, hugs, kisses on both cheeks, and other tokens of affection.

8. You don’t mind working, but you enjoy a slow, laid-back lifestyle.

Knowing that there is more to life than work, you enjoy siestas or afternoon naps. And you thrive on long visits with friends or family and lots of espresso breaks!

9. You thrive on chaos as a natural part of life.

Things in Italy are often disorganized and complicated because this laid-back attitude carries over into the business world. Queues are long and tedious (because things are often poorly organized). So you feel compelled to push and fight to get your place in line, on the bus, or whatever information you need.

10. You enjoy dressing well and have a real sense of style.

You can’t imagine going out without the right makeup, hairstyle, and clothes. Perfectly coordinated, always stylish.

11. Family is very important to you.

Only extreme necessity would make you think not spending every Sunday and holiday with your loved ones. Or of living far away from them.

12. You cringe at Mafia jokes.

Because you know that the Mafia is a real problem in Italy. One you’re not proud of. And you know it’s not a laughing matter.

13. You’re proud to be Italian or of Italian descent.

And you feel that not only is Italian food and fashion the best in the world. But also that Italian musicians, composers, artists and singers are the best. Justifiably so, because there is some truth to it!

So if you’re Italian and proud of it share this proof with your friends!!

📷 Image credits: wine; others are mine