I'm From Rhode Island: Isn't that in New Jersey?

I was born and raised in Rhode Island. As any Rhode Islander will tell you, the accent differs in different parts of the state. To most of us, we can tell if you are from Providence, Cranston, or even Coventry within the first thirty seconds of a conversation. That said, it is not the case for anyone past the Mason-Dixon line. Occasionally, a few don't remember that Rhode Island is an actual state of its own.

I moved to Tennessee twenty-seven years ago. I will still, on occasion, get asked the inevitable question. "Where are you from?" Apparently, people don't like it when you say right down the road. They want to know the origins. Here are a few of the crazy questions and statements that still make me chuckle:

• As mentioned above, "Isn't that in New Jersey?" - Hmmm. I have no words.

• "You ain't from around here, are you?"- Was it the accent? When in peak sarcasm, I ask if the shoes gave it away.

• "Say coffee again."

• "That's the little Island off Manhattan, right?"

It seems the most confusing concept to most is that it is a state comprising several islands and attached to the mainland as well. Hence, the actual name of the state - Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. But don't even get me started on that.

Those are a few that stand out to me. You may have some of your own. Leave it in the comments if you like!