All the reasons to be proud you’re a lefty. Reason #1: It’s Left-Handed Day

Raise your left hand if you’re proud to be a lefty. Now keep that hand raised high in the air because this is a day to celebrate YOU. August 13th marks International Left-Handed Day so this means it’s time to brag to all your friends about the fact that you’re left handed, and they’re not. Left-hand dominance only makes up about 1 out of every 10 people (or roughly 13% of the world’s population) so while the numbers might be small, you are certainly mighty.

Need more reason to be proud to be a lefty? Here are some of the coolest reasons to wear your south paw pride on your sleeve today.

Reason #2. You are scientific mystery

Thanks, science! Apparently there are a lot of theories, but no definitive answers as to why some people lean more towards their right hand, and others towards their left. While researchers have noted that there’s probably a left gene somewhere in our bodies, a more recent study nixed the gene theory. So basically, you defy scientific logic, you left-handed enigma you.

Reason #3. Only left-handed people are in their right mind.

Try real hard to recall one of your high school science lectures, where your class talked about how brains are “cross-wired.” Meaning, the left side of the brain controls the right side of your body, and vice versa. Seeing as how lefties are then controlled by the right side of the brain, you guys are scientifically speaking always in your “right” mind. Get it? Sorry.

Reason #4. You have something awesome in common with cats

You might not think of cats being right or left-handed, but they are. While many cats are ambidextrous (meaning, they use both paws equally), the number of left-handed cats greatly outnumbers right-handed cats (almost 40%!).

Reason #5. Lefties are born leaders

Need proof? Three out of the last four presidents have been left handed: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George Bush Sr. Also, Prince Charles and Prince William are lefties.

Reason #6. You might be better at many sports

Think about sports that use your hands, and think about how many of the players on the other team will be right-handed. Then you swoop in with your left hand, and they might not be be prepared for that. Even just basketball, for example. Your opponents will be used to defending against right-handed maneuvers; not left. So you could say you have the upper hand. Wah wah. Again, sorry.

Reason #7. Have we mentioned how smart you are?

Researchers at St. Lawrence University have found that there are more left-handed people with IQs over 140 than there are right-handed. Oh and Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin? LEFTY, LEFTY.

Reason #8. Hundreds of things have been designed just for YOU

Remember walking into a classroom, and seeing a sea of only right-handed desks? Sorry about that, left-handed friends. But thankfully, more and more things are being designed for lefties, too! So yes, left-handed desks now exist, along with left-handed scissors, power tools, even measuring cups for the kitchen (seeing as how they’ve all so far been designed with measurements and a handle to be held by someone’s right hand).

Reason #9. You might be more creative

This goes back to the cross-wiring of the brain. The right side of the brain, which lefties lean towards, is where much of your creative thinking happens. According to multiple researchers, this might mean you’ve got a knack for the creative arts.

Reason #10. You’re in very good company

We already talked about those presidential lefties. But wait, there are more highly successful lefties kicking ass and taking names. Ever heard of Angelina Jolie? Julia Roberts? Lady Gaga? OPRAH? There’s also Emma Thompson, Jon Stewart, mom and daughter Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, one half of the Backstreet Boys (Kevin and A.J.),  Jennifer Lawrence, Anna Kendrick,  Rashida Jones, and Tina Fey.Oh lefties, you are in good company.

Reason #11. You inspired Springfield’s finest mall store. 

What would Springfield be without Ned Flanders’ Leftorium? Ned has repped lefty pride AND found his calling thanks to his passion for lefty products. And just where does that passion really come from? Lefty Matt Groening, off course.

(Image via Fox)