10 Pieces of Advice from Your Mom You Should Actually Take
1. “Don’t spend it all in one place.”
When your mother said this, she was probably referring to that dollar the “Tooth Fairy” gave you when you were six, but the advice applies to paychecks and loans as well. Be smart about where and how you budget your funds. Managing your finances is a skill you’ll use for the rest of your life, and your parents can teach you a lot on how to do it well.
2. “Dump them.”
A mother’s intuition is rarely wrong. If your family thinks your partner isn’t a good match for you, there’s a good chance they aren’t. Life is short. Don’t waste your time with someone who isn’t “The One.”
3. “Always overpack.”
You never think you’ll need an extra pair of socks or an extra pair of underwear until you’re stuck in the middle of some foreign country without them. It’s always better to be over-prepared rather than underprepared.
4. “If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.”
Remaining polite in the professional world is important, and criticizing others can do much more damage to relationships in the adult world than it did to friendships on the playground. Sometimes holding your tongue is the right thing to do, even if it isn’t always easy.
5. “Don’t settle for less than you deserve.”
This piece of advice applies to your professional life, your personal life, and your love life. Strive for what you want and never settle for second best or second place.
6. “Money isn't everything.”
Chances are that at some point in your life, especially during college, you’re going to be tight on cash and your finances are going to be one of your biggest concerns. When the issue of money becomes overwhelming, take a step back and recognize the things you have that truly matter, like friends, family, and a mom who gives great advice.
7. “Buy in bulk.”
You can never have too much of a good thing, and your roommates will never complain about having too much toilet paper in the house. Stocking up and being prepared for any potential emergencies or unexpected money issues can save you a lot of hassle later on down the road.
8. “Be yourself.”
No one can be you but you, and there’s no good that comes from pretending to be someone else. Don't forget the child your mother raised.
9. “Do what you love.”
We’ve all heard the “I support you no matter what you do” line from our mothers, but this quote is one we can act on. Many of us have seen parents suffer through jobs they hate waking up to go to every day, just so that they can make ends meet, and no one knows better than them that a life of loathing what you do isn’t a life you want to live. Choose your career path wisely.
10. “Enjoy your youth while it lasts.”
These may not seem like “the best days of our lives,” but with how often our parents insist that they are, maybe they’re onto something.