13 Signs You're a Minnesota Swede

1. You've never actually been to Sweden.

2. If you meet a real Swede you happily tell her you're Swedish too.

3. She will answer "That is so cool!" like it's the weirdest coincidence she's ever experienced. In reality she has heard the exact same thing from every other Minnesotan since she landed here, years ago.

4. You tell the Swede where your great great great great great great grandparents came from in Sweden, she responds "I think I know where that is." Reality: She doesn't even understand what it is you're trying to pronounce.

5. You get a little offended by #2, you're a real Swede too!

6. You don't speak Swedish ("hejdå" and "tack" do not count).

7. But you plan on forcing your children to learn the language, since you're too lazy to make the effort yourself.

8. You go to IKEA and feel a little like you own the place, because you are Swedish after all.

9. If you own a Volvo you probably have this bumber sticker.

10. You've been to several events at the American Swedish Institute and try to act like some of the activities are the most natural things to do or look at, like putting burning candles on someone's head.

11. If you get a sunburn you blame it on your viking genes.

12. Because you are basically a real viking.

13. You're more proud of being Swedish than Swedes in Sweden ever will be.