You’ve probably heard your parent or guardian say one or all of these things about a million times, and you’ve also probably rolled your eyes at least half a million of them. But the times you actually listened have definitely paid off. These old tropes are helping you live a better and productive life as an adult, and we should all be thankful that our parents cared enough to impart these little drops of wisdom (even if it was in the form of yelling) to us.
- “Save your money.” When you get a flat tire on the highway a week before your next pay day and you’ve already used all your money on bills, you’ll be happy about that 100 bucks you squirreled away next to your bed.
- “Clean up after yourself.” Your roommate will thank your parents for yelling at you to clean your goddamn room for 43rd time later on in life.
- “Be polite.” Your boss will be mindful of how polite you were in your interview when you called her “ma’am” and held the door for her as you were leaving.
- “Don’t waste food.” When you’re in college and staring at your last pack of Ramen with 23 cents in your bank account, you’ll curse the time you ever threw away delicious, freshly steamed broccoli.
- “Don’t lie.” Your future partner and friends will be thankful that your parents told you to always tell the truth – and for your mom’s otherworldly way of sniffing out your lies… it’s made you a terrible liar since you didn’t get much practice.
- “Respect your elders.” When you’re old, you’ll be thankful that you were always nice to old people. Older people have been through a lot. You’re learning that more and more every day.
- “Don’t chew with your mouth open.” As an adult, it’s now your pet peeve to see people chewing their burger like a hog. Close your mouth, bro.
- “Sit up straight.” Your physical therapist will thank you when you get older and start having back pain. Ergonomics are important!
- “Don’t bite your fingernails.” Your manicurist will thank you when you’re trying to get your nails done.
- “You can’t always have your way.” Life is not Burger King; you can’t always have it your way. Now that we’ve accepted that, disappointments are much easier are to swallow.
