Things My Mother Taught Me

Advice from one wise soul to the next

By Brynn Mannino Posted July 08, 2008 from WomansDay.com

Photo: © Comstock

Moms teach us a lot. Whether it's practical advice (how to choose the sweetest onion) or ethical (if you have nothing nice to say…), their wise words give us something to live by and to believe in—until we're old enough to form our own beliefs. But sometimes, without even realizing it, their voices become those inside our own heads, and their theories become those we share with our own children or friends. This Mother's Day, theWoman's Day and WomansDay.com staffs want to acknowledge the moms who gave us our voices—and made us who we are today.

What's the best advice you have ever received from your mother, or motherly advice you have given? Tell us in Comments.

"It's OK to march to the beat of a different drum." –Assistant Editor Dana Gottesman
And I definitely did as a child. My friends played sports; I was in the drama club. They stayed home during the summer; I went off to summer camp. I never let their decisions dictate mine, and I'm still the same way!

"There's no use complaining. I'm alive, aren't I?" –Assistant Editor Dana Gottesman
My grandmother is 94 years old and still spreads a lot of joy to our family and everyone she encounters. Though I'm sure she has her share of aches and pains, she never lets anyone know it. She is continually grateful for her life and I believe that's what keeps her going.

"My mother passed on to me her love of popular music." –Copy Chief Diane Oatis
Growing up, the radio or record player was always on, and she took the time to teach me about her favorite singers—Nat King Cole, Jo Stafford, and above all, Ella Fitzgerald. Now, my own music collection contains my favorites as well as hers, who I came to love: Ella is right next to Elvis, and Springsteen not too far from Stafford.

"Always look for an onion that's flat and saucer-shaped, rather than round." –Senior Web Editor Heidi Cho
Of the many invaluable life lessons my mom taught me, the most practical and often-used one is how to choose the best onion from the pile at the supermarket. While not the prettiest-looking bulbs, these flat onions always taste sweeter, resulting in a more delicious final dish!

"As a little girl, my mother always told my sister and me to do our best at everything. She also would always tell us that we needed be able to look out for ourselves because she wouldn't always be here." –Assistant Editor Crystal Tate
When my mom unexpectedly passed away when I was 14, I wondered how I would be able to go on without her. Little did I know, my mother had already raised me to be a strong, independent woman, and had already set me on the path to excellence. Although it was hard at first, I tried my best and continued to succeed. I know that she is very proud of all that I have accomplished!

"Fake it till ya make it!" –Freelance Blogger and Writer Ruth Manuel-Logan
My mother had a private reserve that was priceless: Always leave the house with clean and hole-free underwear; if something should happen to you, at least I won't be embarrassed! When you look in the mirror and something doesn't look good, quickly cover it up! Always tell your husband you love him; if you don't, someone else will.