Where we grow up has an effect on who we become as adults. There are some ingrained habits we just can’t shake. Regardless of where you live as a grown up, a childhood spent in growing up in New Mexico leaves its mark, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

1. We don’t understand others’ reactions to our chile consumption.
Yelp/Dean P.
So we eat chile at any time of day and on virtually any type of food. What’s the problem? Breakfast burritos require some form of chile, and don’t knock a green chile ice cream sundae until you’ve tried it.
2. We make this face whenever we order chile, but receive jalapenos.
Flickr/Bill Alldredge
3. We prescribe green chile stew for a range of ailments from a cold to a bad breakup.
Flickr/mswine
Keep your bland chicken noodle soup!
4. We’re enthusiastic rather than cautious about buying food from a complete stranger who is selling it from his or her trunk.
Flickr/Aaron
The rule is to never take candy from strangers. Tamales are a whole different story.
5. While we may enjoy the sensation of going barefoot outside, we’re also a little cautious.
Flickr/Stronglight
Goatheads are no joke.
6. We watch where we put our feet when hiking…
Flickr/Kathy Knorr
…Even if we’re currently in a state with hardly any snakes.

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7. We forget that there are places where people can’t see the stars.
Flickr/John Fowler
That’s just so sad.
8. We can drive at night when there is no form of light beside the headlights.
Flickr/John Slater
Zero. Zip. Nada. And we still won’t hit that coyote.
9. We’re in the habit of keeping extra water in the car.
Flickr/Daniel Orth
Okay, maybe not this much water! But, if we break down somewhere without cell service, we could be walking for a long time. Always be prepared!
10. We’re also extremely impressed by any body of water…
Flickr/Michael Rael
…that is bigger than a puddle. Although we have rivers and lakes, we don’t take them for granted.
11. In fact, we’re kind of the hall monitors of water usage.
Flickr/Kat Tomilloso
Leave the tap running when you brush your teeth? Then yes, we’re totally judging you.
12. We have a built in homing beacon that always pulls us back to the Land of Enchantment.
Flickr/thalling55
And why would we want to be anywhere else?

What would you add to this list?

If you’re considering relocating to New Mexico and are trying to get the lay of the land, you may be interested in this past article: “14 Surprising Things You May Not Expect When Moving To New Mexico.”

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Growing Up In New Mexico

Leah | April 03, 2020

What stereotypes are there about New Mexico?

There are quite a few New Mexico stereotypes - some true, some a little far-fetched. One of them is New Mexicans love of chile, and that can certainly be considered true. Chile is everywhere in the state - being sold from the backs of trunks in a parking lot, on the side of near every meal, or filling up people's fridges. People in New Mexico are often considered to love the great outdoors and spend a lot of time out in nature, and quite a few would agree. With so many beautiful natural areas and lots of open land to explore, it's no wonder why.

What are the best things about living in New Mexico?

If you asked someone what it's like to live in New Mexico, they'd probably have a lot of great things to say. Along with access to the best chile and other delicious regional food, there are a multitude of natural wonders right at your doorstep like Shiprock or the Carlsbad Caverns. New Mexico is full of beautiful architecture around every corner, plus a lot of art from a variety of cultures and influences. Living in the Land of Enchantment means you'll enjoy sunshine throughout the majority of the year, plus low light pollution resulting in gorgeous night skies. There are quirky and fun things about the state, as well, such as the fixation on UFO sightings, awesome festivals including hot air balloon festivals, and more.

What unique words and phrases do people in New Mexico say?

Living in New Mexico means you need to know the local vernacular. There's a lot of Spanglish to learn, especially, since the area is very culturally diverse. If someone says they want their food Christmas style, they mean they want red and green chile on it - it has nothing to do with the holiday. New Mexico's biggest city Albuquerque is often shortened to just "Burque" or sometimes just "ABQ." Out-of-staters might not know what New Mexicans mean when they use the term "portal," thinking maybe some interdimensional way of travel, but really it's just a covered back porch.

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