A Thank-You Letter To Overly Strict Parents | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

The 'Thank You' You Know You Owe Your Overly-Strict Parents Because They Raised You Right

I probably didn't say it to you back then, but I am saying it now, thank you.

3544
The 'Thank You' You Know You Owe Your Overly-Strict Parents Because They Raised You Right
Meredith Leigh

When I was younger, all I did was wish that you would be more like my friend's parents. I hated that all of the other kids around me had inside jokes from shows I could not watch. I despised you when all of the kids in my class were singing and dancing to songs I had never heard of so I had to sit at my desk and color. I thought that the way you were raising me was holding me back. Little did I know, the way that you were raising me would make me into the strong, respecting, independent woman that I am today.

Thank you for always asking "who, where, and when." It used to aggravate me to no end, but now that I am older I understand that it was because you cared. Now that I know just how scary the world we live in is, I understand why you needed to know who I was with, where I was, and when I was going.

Thank you for not letting me go to all those parties in high school, turns out parties aren't all that great.

Thank you for not letting me hang out with the "popular" kids who threw those parties because — newsflash — popularity doesn't roll over to college.

Thank you for telling me no, even when you could have said yes. Sure, it sucked, but it taught me to respect someone even when they told me no instead of making a big deal out of it. I have seen grown adults who throw temper tantrums when their parents tell them 'no' and it makes me embarrassed for them. I used to wonder why they acted that way and it is because they never learned how to accept the word "No."

Thank you for not letting me quit, ever. You made me try every sport known to man, and even when we realized that I couldn't hit a ball or stay on the beat you made me finish out the season. You taught me that quitting was not ever an option and to always finish what I started even if I wasn't any good at it.

Thank you for making me say "thank you" even when that person did not deserve it. You taught me respect. Because of you, I know how to treat others with respect.

I know raising me wasn't easy, I know I am hard headed and independent. I know that it may seem like I didn't appreciate you, but it is because I didn't, and I am sorry for that. Now I am an adult, and when I think about how I got to this point in my life I think of you, mom and dad. I think about how you raised me to be strong and independent yet still respectful.

Now that I understand why you were so strict, I am saying thank you for being the amazing parents you were and always will be.

Report this Content
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

123681
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

27171
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

25411
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments