There are some habits you can’t help but pick up when you grow up in Chicago. While visitors may think these aspects of everyday life in the city are odd, those who live here are just used to them.

If you’re a true Chicagoan, you’ll know all about these nine things. Keep scrolling for more details.

1. Being prepared.
Pxhere
No matter the weather, Chicagoans are always ready for it to change. In a single day, the sun can shine and hail can fall - sometimes all at once! We are used to having to wear layers or bring a jacket.
2. Dibs.
Flickr/meryddian
This is one of those habits you'll only find in Chicago. When we dig our cars out of the snow, we deserve to keep the spot we worked so hard to clear! People here take it very seriously.
3. Staying indoors during winter.
Wikimedia Commons/Victor Grigas
It's natural to want to stay inside this time of year due to how cold it gets. You have to bundle up in five coats, ten pairs of socks, and at least two hats just to make it to the mailbox some days. You'll often find us looking out the window longing for warmer weather.
4. Avoiding eye contact.
Flickr/Kevin Dooley
When walking down the street, Chicagoans are not ones to meet and greet with everyone we pass. Eyes are either on our feet or looking straight ahead.

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5. Standing in long lines for food.
Flickr/Drew XXX
With so many people wanting to taste the best foods the city has to offer, lines are just a part of the experience. Whether it's a local hot spot, a well-loved chain, or festival favorite, we'll stand in line for however long it takes.
6. Ordering local beer.
Flickr/edwin
No matter where we go, we only have eyes for the local beer. It's not hard to find in Chicago, so it's become one of our habits.
7. Cringing at ketchup on hot dogs.
Wikimedia Commons/cyclonebill
Sure, there are many who eat them this way, but for a true Chicagoan, mustard is the only sauce allowed. Most restaurants won't judge you for going against the grain though... but the other diners around you might.
8. Singing along to the Cubs song.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
"Hey, Chicago, what do you say?" If you're a true Chicagoan, you know the rest of this phrase. It's a gut reaction to sing along when someone starts it up.
9. Bragging about Chicago.
Pixabay/cpogrund
It's hard not to talk about your city when it's so great. From stunning views to endless things to do, there's so much to be proud of when it comes to Chicago. Forgive us for making it a habit of boasting our accomplishments, but here are a few we've definitely earned the right to brag about.

What other habits do you find hard to shake? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

For more crazy quirky habits, check out 13 things all Chicagoans do that seem insane.

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