Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me

It is so much harder to talk to your children about generic things that are important, espeically as they age. You are expected, and they are expecting you, to address alcohol, drugs, and sex. But there are a million other little things that never get addressed.

I have my own "grown" children now, and there are things I've never told them. That we've never really discussed. Nothing life shattering, but things that would make their lives a little easier if they would remember and apply them.

Here is a list of things I wish my mother had told me:

1. Opposites attract; but they don't stay together -- once the heat is gone, so if the common ground.


2. Looks fade; your's and others -- don't choose your spouse on his looks, or allow yourself to be choosen on your looks. They will go one day and then where will you be?


3. When friends or family 'jokingly' pick at you about things, it's not a joke. There is always a grain of truth behind the laughter, listen to it.


4. There is no such thing as the perfect parent or child; don't drive yourself or your children crazy trying to fit a broken mold.


5. The best tool a parent can utilize is patience.


6. You must know who you are and what you want out of life before you can find someone to share that life with.


7. A healthy mind and body leads to a happy mind and body.


8. Your children will leave you one day, make sure when they do you have a life left to hang on to. Always keep up your own interests and make plans for when they are no longer in the house.


9. A relationship requires constant upkeep, whether it's with a spouce, family member, or friend. If you don't put effort out, pretty soon you will find yourself alone.


10. Be happy with what you got; it's wonderful to have goals and strive to reach them. But don't make your entire life about doing better. You need to stop reaching at some point in your life and just enjoy! Settle.

This is all I could think about off the top of my head, but I'll add to the list as I think of more. Be sure to post any words of wisdom you would like to share.