Things My Mom Used to Say

Words of wisdom from mom.

Mom would always say the dang’est things, but you know what? She was usually right. Here are a few of the life lessons I got from my mom.

1. It is easier to keep something clean than to make it clean.

a. Doesn’t that make sense? It takes a lot less time to pick up a pair of shoes than to pick up seven pairs. You can wash four or five dirty dishes in minutes but if you let them sit, it will take exponentially longer after the food gets stuck on them.

2. If it doesn’t belong to you, don’t take it.

a. You would think this was a “duh” comment, but there are so many people out there who don’t think it is a big deal to take things that are not theirs. Anything from a lost wallet that clearly has identification in it, to a soda in the refrigerator. If it does not belong to you, you have no right to it.

3. Wear clean underwear before you go out.

a. This is a funny one that has been spoken forever, I think. But if you think about it, if you do unfortunately get into an accident, what are the odds that the clean underwear will stay clean? What if you had a coffee cup between your legs? What if you got scared you know what-less? Your underwear will no longer be clean, but it’s still more sanitary.

4. Clean your plate.

a. This one has been argued recently. The advice is still good, however. If you do not want it, don’t take it. If you take it, you should eat it. There is no excuse to waste things just because you got full.

5. If you used it, put it back where you got it from.

a. Borrowing items in a home, office, or other places is usually acceptable, however it is good form and respect for the owner, if you return the items you have borrowed. Whether it is a pen from a receptionist’s desk or your neighbor’s lawnmower, you need to be sure to return, in better condition if possible, the item that you borrowed.

6. Leave things cleaner than you got them.

a. If you are visiting a friend’s home do not leave your dishes on the table. If you are babysitting, or using someone else’s space, be certain that you do your best to show how thankful you are for the privilege by cleaning up your mess and straightening things around for them as well.

7. If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep quiet.

a. This would seem to make sense, too, but it is not as prevalent as you would think. People are feeling used and abused and their voice may be their only defense. Instead of using a civil talking tone, they will use rhetoric, insults, and otherwise abusive language to convey their message. Do people really hear you when you are shouting at them? Learn to be civilized in your speech and in your tone.

8. You get more flies with honey than with vinegar.

a. Strange saying for the younger set, but it aligns itself with the above remarks (#7). After all, you may not want flies, but if you want to attract others you want to be sweet about it. Agony and misery may want company but eventually the negative oozing out of that person’s pores will begin to make the swarm leave.

9. Don’t tell anyone what you don’t want your mom to find out about.

a. If you tell a secret to someone, don’t think it will stay a secret. Writing things is not good, either… it leaves a trail. However, if you think that what you are saying may make your mother upset with you, don’t say it. Keep it to yourself. Cursing, having relations as a minor, or other behaviors will get back to your mother. She does not only know best, but she knows everything.

No matter what you say or do, remember your mom always has your best interest at heart. Learn from her and you will likely not fail. She does know things, even if she is a housewife who does not venture out too far from home. Trust your mother and you will succeed..

My mom gave me so much good advice as I grew up. I think that if you think about it, so did yours. I'd like to hear what she told you.

Thanks, Mom!