“If you’re mad at everyone, it’s probably you” is something my mom told me in elementary school and repeated as I was growing up. It is unfortunately true and has kept me from acting based on my temper and instead paying attention to what has me feeling that way many times!
Not so much a saying, but something I distinctly remember about my mom: she was an elementary school teacher, and it felt like every week she’d be coming home after work, dressing in black, and heading out to a funeral. A student’s parent, a student’s grandparent, a student’s cousin. Most the time she never knew the person who died but wanted to show up for her students in that way. I heard the phrase “walk to a wedding, run to a funeral” before and it made me think immediately of my mom. She’s the best of the best. ❤️
You will ALWAYS remember the people that showed up for your loved one’s funeral. I think often about those who did and didn’t show up to my dad’s funeral, and it’s made me realize that I never want to be the person that someone thought would show up and didn’t.
This is uncanny! I was just thinking that my mom told me to show up for funerals but couldn’t quite put it into words, and then your comment showed up! I guess moms’ wisdom is universal.
My favorite advice from my Mom was, "The baby comes to live with you; you don't go to live with the baby." She encouraged me to incorporate my first baby into OUR lives, rather than the other way around. We took our son everywhere and continued to do many of the things we loved. We brought our 3-month-old son to her cabin for Labor Day weekend, she was gone when I had my second nine years later, but when I brought that little 7-week-old baby to our annual Labor Day trip (different cabin), I thought of her. Both of my kids have grown up to be adventurous and always excited for new things!
My mom has some great ones, but one that comes to mind:
"Don't trust a charmer" - this was if a man is too over-the-top charming/gift-giving/love-bombing, it's probably too good to be true. I think it works in platonic situations and business as well.
I am Chinese and have never thought about what 干净 means! I just recently learned - on The Wirecutter podcast about towels - that “humans do not actually have a wetness receptor…We don’t have a mechanism for identifying wetness directly.” I’m learning so much about 💦 this week!!!
My mom always says “engage brain before putting mouth in gear” - something her dad used to tell her. It’s a good reminder for those of us inclined to try to have the last word or lash out quickly.
I love this post! So fun to reflect on the ways our moms have shaped us outside of the Hallmark holiday dedicated to them. My mom always said "don't buy just to buy" which definitely shaped me into being a more intentional shopper and gift giver. She also always just tries to make things easier for me, even if its picking me up at weird times from the airport because the flight was convenient and cheap for me but not her, whatever makes it easier she'll do!
I loved reading this - so many good nuggets of wisdom. Thanks for including me! Mother Theresa (how my friends and I refer to my mom) is going to be thrilled her advice made it to Platonic Love! x
This is so sweet. My mom taught me that any situation can be as big or as small as you make it. Try not to make bad situations bigger than they need to be. Also, just sleep on it. Everything looks better in the morning.
Such a pleasure to read and be a part of this lovely post—thank you! There should be a word for when you finally mature into understanding mom knows what she's talking about 😂
“If you’re mad at everyone, it’s probably you” is something my mom told me in elementary school and repeated as I was growing up. It is unfortunately true and has kept me from acting based on my temper and instead paying attention to what has me feeling that way many times!
This is very, very wise...
THIS IS A GOOD ONE!!!
Not so much a saying, but something I distinctly remember about my mom: she was an elementary school teacher, and it felt like every week she’d be coming home after work, dressing in black, and heading out to a funeral. A student’s parent, a student’s grandparent, a student’s cousin. Most the time she never knew the person who died but wanted to show up for her students in that way. I heard the phrase “walk to a wedding, run to a funeral” before and it made me think immediately of my mom. She’s the best of the best. ❤️
Your mom sounds really lovely, Paige! "Walk to a wedding, run to a funeral" is such a good line (and one Aliza actually introduced me to via this post: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/how-to-help-a-friend-through-a-dark)
Ahhh, THIS is where I read it!!! Lovely line, really stuck with me 💞
Ha, we come full circle! I just figured it was floating around!!
You will ALWAYS remember the people that showed up for your loved one’s funeral. I think often about those who did and didn’t show up to my dad’s funeral, and it’s made me realize that I never want to be the person that someone thought would show up and didn’t.
100%!!! Such an important thing to recognize. And I am sorry for your loss 🫂
This is uncanny! I was just thinking that my mom told me to show up for funerals but couldn’t quite put it into words, and then your comment showed up! I guess moms’ wisdom is universal.
Moms know what’s up! ❤️
My favorite advice from my Mom was, "The baby comes to live with you; you don't go to live with the baby." She encouraged me to incorporate my first baby into OUR lives, rather than the other way around. We took our son everywhere and continued to do many of the things we loved. We brought our 3-month-old son to her cabin for Labor Day weekend, she was gone when I had my second nine years later, but when I brought that little 7-week-old baby to our annual Labor Day trip (different cabin), I thought of her. Both of my kids have grown up to be adventurous and always excited for new things!
Aw, my grandmother has always given me the same advice, Rachael. I love this!
My mom has some great ones, but one that comes to mind:
"Don't trust a charmer" - this was if a man is too over-the-top charming/gift-giving/love-bombing, it's probably too good to be true. I think it works in platonic situations and business as well.
Wise mum!!!
Love it!
“The best revenge is a life well-lived” has pulled me out of many a spiral to focus on what I can control!
Oh my gosh YES. Will remember this next time I'm fuming.
I am Chinese and have never thought about what 干净 means! I just recently learned - on The Wirecutter podcast about towels - that “humans do not actually have a wetness receptor…We don’t have a mechanism for identifying wetness directly.” I’m learning so much about 💦 this week!!!
Wait fascinating. Is that wet things often feel cold??
Yes apparently we use temperature to identify wetness. Here is the episode https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/wirecutter-show-podcast-20250219-you-deserve-better-towels/
Fascinating!!
I know right?? Deconstructing Chinese is often so revelatory...
My mom always says “engage brain before putting mouth in gear” - something her dad used to tell her. It’s a good reminder for those of us inclined to try to have the last word or lash out quickly.
Ooh I wish I'd heard this one sooner — had to learn it the hard way...
My mom always says "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"-- she stole it from Thumper ;)
Iconic!
I'm stealing this one
I love this post! So fun to reflect on the ways our moms have shaped us outside of the Hallmark holiday dedicated to them. My mom always said "don't buy just to buy" which definitely shaped me into being a more intentional shopper and gift giver. She also always just tries to make things easier for me, even if its picking me up at weird times from the airport because the flight was convenient and cheap for me but not her, whatever makes it easier she'll do!
Awww that is so sweet Jen ♥️ (And don't buy just to buy is a fantastic maxim.)
I loved reading this - so many good nuggets of wisdom. Thanks for including me! Mother Theresa (how my friends and I refer to my mom) is going to be thrilled her advice made it to Platonic Love! x
What an incredible nickname. Thanks so much for sharing!
Yesss....yesss....yesss. Thank you my dear for including my advice in this article, pass it on to Tilly girl🥰
Omg HI Mother Teresa!! (Feels like I'm meeting a celebrity.)
Love your articles, always relatable, keep it up dear🥰
This was such a joy to read!! Thank you for including me!!
Pleasure to have you!!
What a joyful list of advice!!! Thank y’all so much for including me!
This is so sweet. My mom taught me that any situation can be as big or as small as you make it. Try not to make bad situations bigger than they need to be. Also, just sleep on it. Everything looks better in the morning.
Yes! And the sleep one is huge!!! It's incredible how easy it can be to forget though.
Such a pleasure to read and be a part of this lovely post—thank you! There should be a word for when you finally mature into understanding mom knows what she's talking about 😂
YES. Maybe "mature" *is* the word, lol.
Mmm! Good point haha
My mum taught me that there's no such thing as over dressed. Fun clothes make me happy so I will always wear the thing!
I bet your mom's a lot of fun!
She is! 💜
I absolutely loved this—such great advice. Moms are the best!
The photo booth!! The three d’s!! The elder lying on the floor! SUCH a great issue today!
🥰🥰