We do some crazy things in Chicago that other cities and states may give us shade for, but we love our way of life. Once you live here, it makes sense why everyone does these 13 things.

Don't judge us until you read this post. Scroll on for all the reasons we seem insane.

1. Drive in the Loop.

Just looking at this type of traffic gives some people anxiety. The tight lanes and large buses, people trying to cross the street, taxis cutting you off... It can be a nightmare, but if you're patient, you'll get where you need to go. Depending on where you live, the train may be a better option, but there are just some times when you have to drive.

2. Eat pizza that looks like this:

Most of the county doesn't think about deep dish when they think pizza. While the rest of the world is all about that thin, floppy stuff, Chicagoans are digging into something hearty, fresh, and delicious. One slice makes a meal that will stick with you all day.

3. Make pizza upside down.

There's a unique pizzeria in Chicago that bakes pizzas in a bowl. Chicago Oven & Pizza Grinder layers cheese and meat in the bowl and then caps it with a dough that becomes the crust. Patrons are treated to the spectacle of waiters flipping the concoction over at their tables. It is like a pizza bread bowl, and it's one of the city's hidden delicacies.

4. Free admission to the zoo!

Many other cities likely think we're insane, but the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos around. Free does not mean low-quality, though. Donations and other fundraising keep the park open and well-kept with dozens of different animals and exhibits to enjoy. During the holidays, ZooLights draws residents from all neighborhoods for a night of light tunnels, glowing critters, and other spectacular views.

5. Dibs.

Of all the crazy things we do in Chicago, this may take the cake. If you're new here, you'll quickly learn that Chicagoans take this method of reserving shoveled-out parking spots very seriously. Basically, if you shovelled your car out of a plowed-in mess, you place a lawn chair or two in the spot to designate that your hard work earned you this spot.

6. Support the Bears.

Though they haven't won a Superbowl since 1986, the Bears still have the full support of true Chicagoans. Just like Cubs fans, we're willing to do some crazy things and hold out until the next time our team makes it big. Hopefully, it won't take more than 100 years.

7. Dye the river green on St. Paddy's Day.

Because... why not? Chicago doesn't want to get pinched, so we make her wear green that day. For real though, it's a fabulous event that people from all over the area love to attend.

8. Close down streets and public parks for festivals.

Whether it's to celebrate our love of food, music, or culture, we block off certain city streets throughout the summer to have some fun. Our festivals include parades, concerts, and more incredible eats than you could possibly fit into one day.

9. Ask for our hot dogs to be "dragged through the garden."

A true Chicago hot dog is a delicacy you don't mess with. The "garden" includes yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Traditionally, dogs are served on poppy seed buns.

10. Vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan.

To many people outside of the city, Chicago is the place you go on vacation. Obviously, since we live here, it's not as much of a commodity to spend our long weekends in town. It's nice to visit a smaller city like South Haven, Michigan or get back to nature at the Wisconsin Dells every once in awhile.

11. Claim "rainbow" as our favorite ice cream flavor.

Chicago's most famous ice cream is the rainbow cone. It's a combination of several different flavors with goodies inside. This beautiful dessert features the tastes of orange sherbet, pistachio, vanilla with cherries and walnuts, strawberry, and chocolate.

12. Display our flag alongside the stars & stripes.

Chicagoans are obsessed with their flag. We wear it on shirts, hats, and accessories as well as in the form of tattoos. No other city is as proud of their symbol.

13. Stand up for Chicago.

We do some crazy things in Chicago, some of which can be explained and some, well... We don't care, anyway. We have immense pride for our city and our way of life. This is how we do it.

Another wacky thing about Chicago? Our one-of-a-kind restaurants! Check out this mac-and-cheese themed eatery in the city that will make you feel like a kid again.

What other crazy things do Chicagoans do that don't make sense to the rest of the country? Share your thoughts with us below!