My mom turned 47 today, so I thought I would ask her what words of wisdom she had learned over the years (written in bold) with a little help from my dad (not in bold).
M: You can never go wrong with being too kind.
D: Being nice to people doesn't cost a thing.
M: Always get a doggy bag. It'll be better the next day and give you a good a memory.
D: Never get a doggy bag. All you do is leave it in the car and it stinks it up.
M: Put your phone down.
D: ...really?
M: Knowledge is power.
D: An education is the only thing a man is willing to pay for and not get.
M: A woman should be able to support herself before she gets married.
D: A man should always carry a pocket knife.
M: Surround yourself with friends who make you want to be a better person.
D: But sometimes you gotta shoot a hostage (not literally).
M: These are the good old days (thanks Margaret Conger).
D: But they sure are stressful.
M: God's word is the only thing you can truly count on because it's steadfast and true.
D: The only other constant is change.
M: A good pair of shoes and a purse can make any outfit look better.
D: Never put a put a $50 saddle on a $5 mule.
M: Exercise is the best medicine.
D: Don't worry; be happy.
M: Love your neighbors. The unlovable are the hardest to love but they're usually the ones who need it the most.
D: It's the only way to change the world.
M: Life is about balance. Extremes in any part of life can take down the whole thing.
D: Try to dance and sing a little every day (even if it's in the shower).
M: Change starts with one small thing.
D: ^done consistently.
M: Always listen to your instincts. Whether they're trying to tell you something good or bad, they're usually right.
D: I've gotten into more trouble trying not to follow my gut than I have while actually following it.
M: Always keep confidences but never keep secrets.
D: And never talk about money outside the family.
M: Always stop at a kid's lemonade stand.
D: Make sure you pay them more than what they ask for. And never say the lemonade is bad.
M: Always tip live artists at a restaurant or bar.
D: No matter what the restaurant says, their fried chicken is never as good as your Nan's.
M: Always drive through to see the Christmas lights.
D: Never open your presents on Christmas Eve.
M: Everyone should know how to drive a stick shift.
D: And be able to change a tire.
M: Make sure the people around you know how much you love and appreciate them.
D: Three goods friends are better than a hundred likes on Instagram.
M: Splurge on the things you use daily–sheets, pajamas, coffee.
D: Don't wait for retirement or vacation to enjoy life; you don't know when you're gonna get either one.
M: If in doubt, go to the event in order to show love for a friend (concert, wedding, dinner).
D: Never go out to dinner on Friday night.
M: You can always come home.
D: Unless you don't have a job, in which case, join the Navy.
M: Choose to marry someone who is smart and makes you laugh.
D: Marry someone who is kind to you.
And, just for fun, here is some bonus advice courtesy of my dad:
Evil women drink gin. Good women drink everything else.
Nobody likes a smartass.
A paid-for car makes you money every day.
Always be nice to dogs and children. Cats–not so much.
Your dog is the only thing that's always happy to see you.
