Can A Person Born Outside of Texas Become A Texan?

Let me start off by saying I am a Chicagoan.  I was born and raised in Chicago and know everything about city and the people.  However, there are certain individuals that have moved to Chicago and became honorary Chicagoans and are just as passionate about the city as someone who is originally from there.  With that being said I honestly believe that you can actually move to another state and adapt to their lifestyle and way of living.

Before I moved to Tyler I lived in Columbus, Georgia for five years and even though I carried my Chicago values I eventually picked up certain traits from the Peach state like their southern hospitality, the love of southern cooking, and of course their sweet tea.

Nevertheless, I am now a resident of the Lone star state and even though I never visited Texas I always loved and admired the state and it's way of life.  So, I asked myself “What does Shawn have to do to become an honorary Texan?”

I was baffled because I was thinking “Do I have to wear chaps?  Do I have to know EVERYTHING about the television show “Dallas”?  I was honestly confused so what do you do when you don’t have the answers?  You ask a Texan!

I sparked a conversation with my co-worker Mandee Montana from Mix 93.1 who’s a native Texan (born in Longview and long-time Tyler resident)  and she told me the following:

1. Have a Lone Star Beer,
2. Catch and hold a Bass fish (Mental note to go to the Big Bass Fishing Tournament next weekend), and...
3. Attend the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival in Tyler.

I took those into consideration, but I needed more clarity.  So, YouTube here I come!  I searched “How to Be a Texan” and the video above came up and after watching the video, I have come to the conclusion that I need a ten-gallon hat, a lot of guns, and cowboy boots.

However, after gathering my information I am very excited to learn about this wonderful state it's rich history and just maybe I could become an honorary Texan.  Now, will I cheer for the Dallas Cowboys?  Let’s take this new relationship one day at a time shall we….lol