There have been countless times that we have all heard our moms say it. Then, it seemed like just an excuse for her to nag at us more or give us advice we really didn't want to hear. We can all say we've heard her say these phrases, and now we get why.
1) "You need to wash the dishes."
The dreaded words after every family dinner. Thankfully, you know the difference between dishwashing soap and body soap. No one washes my dishes in college, and without that chore I'd be taking dishes back home for the summer. This is probably the source of my love for chinese takeout (all disposable).
2) "I know he made fun of your hairy legs, but that's because he likes you."
It is boys' love language. It was in third grade, and it still is today. Boys never say the right thing, and if they do, then one of your girlfriends or his mom probably told him to say it. You can't take what boys say literally most of the time, it's like they're just missing a chromosome for talking to girls; they can't help it.
3) "You need to nap during nap time."
She was sure as hell right. Naps are my favorite time of the day now. Maybe I wouldn't be so tired if I took my naps, rather than whispering to my friends about who we thought was the cutest boy in our kindergarten class.
4) "Be nice to EVERYONE, even if they aren't nice to you."
That weird kid that sat next you in 7th-grade math class? Yeah, you better hope you were nice to him. Now you realize he's probably going to be the one deciding whether you get that job you interview for in the future.
5) "You can go play after you finish your homework."
Now, choosing to stay in to study for a test is a tough decision, but that A on your stats test is totally worth it. As your friends beg you to come out, you hear her voice in the back of your head saying these words.
6) "Any boy would be lucky to have you."
This was, and still is, the worst. "No," we all think to ourselves, "boys don't talk to me, Mom. That's the issue." Well, she is right. Any boy that is worthwhile will appreciate you, care for you, love you, and genuinely look at you and think to himself, "Damn, I am one lucky guy." He will come when the time is right. You just need to make sure he is good enough for you—to say you're lucky to have him as well.
7) "Don't make a habit of it."
Whether she was referring to your dessert after every meal, or you coming home with shopping bags full of clothes you'll only wear once, she was only looking out for you. College somehow magically makes us gain weight, so dessert after dinner definitely isn't helping. And you really can't be buying lots of new clothes unless you plan on being broke. That's why you have friends in college anyways: to wear everything in their closet instead of yours.
8) "...because I said so."
MOST. ANNOYING. THING. EVER! How is that any sort of explanation?? Let's be real, this one will never make sense to us.
9) "Please be safe."
Life is so precious, and getting older you realize that things can happen that could turn your world around in a split second. Being aware of your surroundings is so important.
10) "Wear a jacket; it's cold outside."
You never wore the jacket, and you were cold every time. But you toughed through it anyway so you didn't have to admit she was right.
11) "I know you think I'm just doing this to be mean, but everything I do is because I love you."
This usually followed every bicker, every fight, every time she wouldn't let you leave the house, or just her giving you a simple reminder that you are her greatest accomplishment.
If you are lucky to have a mother like mine, she will always be your biggest supporter, she will always be up for just getting away for the weekend when you need a break from life, she will always be there when you fail a test or break up with your boyfriend to listen to you for hours, and she will always be honest with you if you look fat in that dress.
No matter how much he reprimands you, embarrasses you, or just annoys every living cell in your body, everything she does is for you and what she thinks is best for you. All that you do makes her proud, because she created you. She will be there for all of the important moments in your life. The day you are born, the day you graduate middle school, your acceptances into college, the day you get a job, the day you marry the love of your life, she will be there. And whether you want to admit it or not, you will turn into her one day. So tell her 'thank you' every once in while. Besides, she gave up her Friday nights out, bag-less eyes, and body for you. She deserves some thanks, because now we actually do understand.
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