As much as we hate to admit it, our parents are much wiser than we are. They have been through more because they are older, which is why what they say is usually right. As much as it pains me to admit all of this, and I do not want to enlarge my parents' egos, I do know that there are valuable life lessons I've learned from them over the years. Some of them they have shared directly with me and some I have learned just by watching them over the years. All in all, we can learn a lot from our parents. Here are 11 life lessons mine have taught me that I'm sure yours have too:
1. Always put others before yourself.
One time my dad told me “Put three people in front of you and you’ll never have to worry about yourself.” And this was true. As much as my parents worried often, they never worried about themselves. They always put others’ needs before their own. Being selfless is the most important trait my parents have and it’s one I try to incorporate into my life every day.
2. A successful relationship is about compromise.
Parents fight and arguments happen. But more often than not, you’ve seen these arguments get resolved by compromise. This has taught you to pick your battles in life not only with friends, but your family as well. Watching your parents over the years has taught you that some things are just not worth it to argue about.
3. Getting an education is important
Your parents are right, they are older and they are wiser. They’re wiser because they have more life experience but also because they have had more time to educate themselves. From them you have learned the value of a good education and how important it is to acquire knowledge throughout your life.
4. Hard work pays off.
Your parents are anything but slackers. They work hard in order to provide for their family. They work minimum forty hours a week and have the energy to come home, cook dinner, clean the house and attend to your needs. From them you've learned that success doesn't come easy and you have to work for what you want.
5. Sometimes it helps just to listen.
You’ve sat through your fair share of family dinners where your mom or dad share something about their day at work or vents about a family member. While this may pain you to listen, your dad is always there to listen to your mom and vice versa. You know that being there to simply listen to someone at the end of the day is the key to any successful relationship. And not only do they listen to each other, their ears will be open for you too if you ever need to vent.
6. It will all work out in the end.
You’ve had plenty of meltdowns and gotten anxiety in your fair share of situations. During each of these times your parents are constantly there to reassure you that it will all work out in the end. As much as you don’t believe it at the time, in the end when everything falls into place just as they said, you know that you should probably listen to them when they tell you it will all be okay. And of course they know what they’re talking about, they’ve been through their fair share of meltdowns too and have made it out just fine.
7. Be grateful for what you have
As blessed as you are, your parents made sure that you’re aware not everyone is as fortunate as you.
8. Find friends who will become your family.
One thing you’ve learned from your parents is the value of long-term friendships. They still have friends from high school who have become a part of your family and you hope that when you are their age, you will have the same.
9. Make time for family.
Your family has taught you the value of family. They make time for their brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, mom and dad. And this has taught you to do the same. You will drop everything to be there for a family member and you know you will be that way for years to come, thanks to your parents.
10. Have an opinion.
One thing your parents are good for, is having their own opinions. There have been plenty of dinner table discussions about politics, school, current events, family and everything in between. While you and your parents might not always agree on everything, they’ve taught you that it’s important to have your own opinion. It’s important to form your own beliefs and it’s okay to voice these in your life-it’s what sets you apart.
11. Strength.
Your parents are the strongest, most resilient people you know. They have been through their fair share of hardships together and have only come out stronger as a result. They don’t take those “for better or for worse” vows lightly. You can only hope to handle life’s obstacles with as much strength and grace as they do. Most importantly, you’ve learned how vital it is to find a partner who will be strong with you during these difficult times.
