If These 10 Things Make Sense to You, You’ve Been in New Mexico Far Too Long

New Mexico, where the sky looks Photoshopped, everything comes “red or green,” and you have to clarify that yes—it’s a state in the U.S. It’s a land of chiles, churches, and ancient ruins… and also aliens, art cars, and Adobe drive-thrus. If these ten things feel like everyday life, then congratulations—you’ve been in New Mexico far too long, and you’re probably seasoning your popcorn with Hatch chile dust right now.

You’ve said “red or green?” more times than “hello.”

And if you say “Christmas,” we know you’re a local—or at least chile bilingual.

You’ve explained that yes, New Mexico is part of the United States—again.

“No, you don’t need a passport. Yes, our mail works. Yes, we have Wi-Fi.”

You’ve eaten something smothered in chile and cried tears of joy (and pain).

Pain builds character. And character tastes delicious.

You know the phrase “it’s a dry heat” is a lie after walking outside in July.

Feels like you just opened the oven door—with your face.

You’ve seen at least one art installation, UFO sculpture, or adobe shrine in someone’s front yard.

And thought, “Nice touch.”

You’ve attended a festival involving hot air balloons, luminarias, or giant burning puppets—and called it normal.

From Zozobra to Balloon Fiesta, we celebrate weird with pride.

You’ve watched a dust devil cross the road and just kept driving.

Add a tumbleweed or two and it’s basically a Tuesday.

You’ve given directions using mountains, arroyos, and vague spiritual landmarks.

“Go toward the mesa, past where the old trading post used to be—you’ll feel it.”

You’ve judged someone’s enchiladas solely by the chile they used.

Green if you’re feeling sharp. Red if you’re feeling wise. Both if you’re home.

You know that sunsets here aren’t just pretty—they’re religious experiences.

You don’t watch them—you commune with them.

If this list made you crave sopaipillas, curse a dust storm, and whisper “green chile on the side, please,” you’re officially New Mexican at heart. Whether you’re in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or a village only reachable by dirt road and prayer, you’ve embraced the magic, the mystery, and the mild existential crisis of desert life. Just keep your shades on, your chile roasted, and your alien radar tuned.

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