“Mother Knows Best”: a mantra that moms around the world love to hold over their daughters. My mom has always been my best friend, and I valued her friendship and advice, but sometimes I was just stubborn. As a teenager, like many other girls, I was very hesitant in taking my mom’s advice because I wanted to be independent and show her I was “grown up” to make my own decision. Some advice seemed too cliché or simple to hold any truth to it, while others I only thought were to keep me her “little girl” forever. At times it seemed like every other quote out of her mouth was “Because I said so.” Looking back now, I can see that my mom has every right to say “I told you so,” since her advice was given out of love and experience.
I’m sure that many of you ladies have also had your mother preach her wise words to you over the years. As you mature and maybe become less egocentric, it’s a good idea for you to reflect on what your mom once told you and see if it holds any truth. When I took the time to do this I was able to see my mom actually DID know what she was talking about. Seriously, she should write a book! But since she probably won’t write the book, I’ll take the initiative to note some of the wise words that have stuck with me for HC BC! Some are witty, some are heartfelt, and many are just so simple; no matter their purpose though, I think we can all find truth in them.
On finding the “Right Man”
- “It’s not about finding the right person, it’s about being the right person.”
- “Better to be alone than mismatched.”
- “Never for a minute believe that a man can change you. Also never believe that you can change a man, unless he is in diapers.”
- “There are other fish in the sea.”
On going out
- “Always bring a jacket.”
- “Watch your drink.”
- “Buddy System.”
- “You are more fertile than you think.”
- “Always carry small bills. That doesn’t mean go out and ‘earn’ them, it means bring them with you.”
- “Heels were invented by men.”
- “There will be more weekends.”
- “Too much of any good thing is a bad thing.”
On body, mind, and soul
- “Always moisturize.”
- “A little goes a long way, embrace your youth.”
- “Know that beauty has everything to do with how you feel about yourself and nothing to do with looks or other people’s opinions.”
- “The number on the scale does not define you.”
- “Look in the mirror and be proud of what is below the skin.”
- “Sleep is the best remedy.”
- “There is nothing wrong with an afternoon nap.”
- “Vick’s Vapor Rub does wonders.”
- “Always pack a tissue pack.”
- “Take bubble baths.”
- “Don’t underestimate the power of Vaseline.”
On being professional
- “Always be early.”
- “Work like nobody is watching.”
- “Always say thank you.”
- “Know your limits and stick by them.”
- “There is a difference between a job and a career.”
- “Never apologize for being a woman or being yourself.”
- “Read everything you can get your hands on.”
- “There are no such things as stupid questions.”
- “Stand up for what is right, especially if you are standing alone.”
- “Texts just don’t cut it.”
- “It is okay to start over. Turn the page and embrace something new the next day.”
On friendship
- “Don’t try to please everyone – just be yourself and your real friends will stick by you. Sometimes it’s hard to do, but just be who you are and you will succeed in life.”
- “You don’t have to like everyone, but you must respect them.”
- “Never underestimate the power of good friends, a good movie, and good food.”
- “Fight the wars, not the battles.”
- “Listen.”
- “It is not what you say, it is how you say it.”
And the MOST IMPORTANT piece of advice
- “Never forget that I love you more than any other person in the world, no matter how far apart we are, you will always be my daughter.”
Hope you can learn from some of my mom’s great advice! Post advice that your own mom has given you over the years that you think would benefit all our HC BC readers!