I Got It From My Mama

Today is my mom's birthday! When I was little, I thought she was a superhero. And then I got older and realized that though she didn't exactly have super powers, she did know some things, but not ALLthethings. Here are some life lessons she's taught me that have actually stuck: 

-Accept others regardless of race, ethnicity, financial background, religion, etc. and show kindness and respect to everyone, from the janitor to the CEO. 

-Accept yourself, and be proud of who you are and your accomplishments, regardless of other people.

-Be financially independent.
Do not share your financial situation with anyone, always have cash in the house somewhere, and never depend on anyone to support you. 

- When receiving poor service, always ask for the manager.
I learned this well at a young age. I don't remember the story exactly, but I was probably about 12 and my mom sent me into the Chinese restaurant to pick up our order. The man behind the counter told me it wasn't ready yet, so I waited a little and asked again, getting the same response. That's when I asked to speak to a manager. I had taken a bit longer than expected, so my mom came in to find me, and I told her what was happening. I think it was one of her proudest moments. (Sidenote: our food was ready; the guy was just being a dick.) 

-Take pictures of yourself. By yourself. 
I thought this was dumb/silly when she first told me this, but one I wish I had listened to more, especially as a young adult, because now most of my pictures from that time period have exes in them. Lesson learned. 

- Practice good manners.
ALWAYS say please/thank you. Know what silverware to use. Chew with your mouth closed (including gum). The basics. 

-Choose your friends wisely.
I had a bad habit of being too trusting too soon when I was younger. I'd pick a best friend or 3, tell them my whole life story without second thought, and then be surprised when they used that information to stab me in the back. I've finally learned this lesson and am definitely not as trusting until I know someone for quite some time. 

-It's okay to not be perfect. No one expects perfection. Do your best, and learn from your mistakes.
I've always been one of those overachiever/perfectionist types. I think the best example of this was the first time I got a B+ instead of an A or even A-. (I think I was in 5th or 6th grade.) I was CRUSHED. I literally cried.  I demanded to know why I got the grade. I think I kind of scared the teacher. 

- Go in early (or at least on time). Stay late. Work hard.
My mom was never on time anywhere, but she always worked her ass off. 

- Treat yo'self.
Sometimes my mom just wanted to get away, so we would stay in a nearby-ish hotel overnight. We went a few times a year. I loved it because there was an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, game room, room service and cable (I didn't always have cable growing up). She loved it because of the same things I guess. I just remember that we'd always have fun there. 

-And of course...

What are some things your parents taught you that stuck with you?