Wise words your parents told you

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Richard King

Puritan Board Senior
Did anything your parents used to say
...stick with you?



My Dad used to say:

The trouble with trouble is ...
it always starts out as fun
 
I would not consider this "good" advice, but it shows the kind of advice that i received growing up in an atheist family...

"if you do bad things the important thing is to not get caught."
 
My dad.....

My dad is kind of a wild-card, and he had so many tips he wrote some books on them, but a couple he used to say, and still does.....

1. There's no free lunch.
2. Life's not fair, get used to it.
3. If this? If that? If Frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their butts, but they don't, so make it work.
4. Make the hard stuff the fun stuff, don't complain, embrace the challenge.
5. If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger.

Just a few I remember.

From my mom....."BE NICE TO GIRLS."
 
I heard the "life's not fair" one many times.

Another one was "Eat your vegitables, they are good for you".
 
Etiquette of a Gentleman

My mom and I were having this discussion just the other day. I can't remember the context but she said, "I'll bet you've never spit on the ground have you?" Of course she was right. I had seen a woman spit on the ground a week ago and it occurred to me that I have never spit. Mom said, "I used to drill that into you."

I found this list of etiquette by Michael Bucci for Ask Men mag. (I don't recommend the mag) The list really sums up the good things my mom and dad taught me and I'm teaching to my kids.

Etiquette of a Gentleman
by Michael Bucci

One only needs to take a quick glance around to notice that there are very few true gentlemen remaining among us. In times past, a gentleman was much appreciated and being gentlemanly was a noble thing.

Alas, things have changed in today's society; some for the better and some for the worse. One thing that particularly irks me is the lack of good taste and etiquette most guys are guilty of at the turn of this new millennium.

I'm not saying that men should act like robots and be slaves to etiquette, but some basic good manners will go a long way in helping you during your ascent to the top.

What I've done is compile a quick list of tips that will help turn even the most blundering fool into a proper gentleman. Follow these simple tips and I can assure you that people will perceive you as a man of good breeding and taste, hence a man they wish to associate and conduct business with. Not to mention the fact that the ladies are always quite pleased to meet a real gentleman.


general etiquette

Always be polite
Even if you don't like someone, there is no need to lower yourself to their level. Be polite and courteous; show that you're the better man.

Do not curse
Swearing is a big no-no. It shows that you don't have the vocabulary to express your thoughts appropriately. Furthermore, it is always very crude and impolite to be vulgar.

Do not speak loudly
When you speak loudly, it raises the stress level among company. It always implies that you can't reason with people and rely on "brute force" to get your point across. It also draws attention -- negative attention.

Do not lose your temper
When you lose your temper, you are showing everyone that you can't control your emotions. If you can't even control yourself, then how can you possibly control anything else? Keep your cool at all times (it won't be easy but it is worth the effort) and people will take positive note of your levelheadedness.

Do not stare
Ogling someone is the equivalent of psychological aggression. You don't want to intimidate people for no reason.

Do not interrupt
Let people finish what they are saying before adding your comments. Interrupting others is a sign of poor etiquette and a lack of social skills. If you want to come across as egotistical, you can do so by constantly interrupting.

Do not spit
A lot of men do this almost subconsciously. Spitting is very crude and not too pretty to look at. Do not spit in public unless you want to look like you were raised in a sewer.

Respect your elders
In fact, you should respect others as you would like them to respect you. I am specifying elders because it seems that today, young men think they know it all. Well, they don't. Just think of yourself five years ago... you're much smarter and experienced today, aren't you? Of course, yet you thought you knew it all five years ago.

Do not laugh at others' mistakes
This is perhaps one of the cruelest things one can do. When you mess up, the last thing you want is for someone not only to bring it to your attention, but to ridicule you on top of that.

Remove your hat indoors
This rule seems to have gone out the window these days. You should remove your headwear upon entering a building. Furthermore, never keep your hat on while at the dinner table. It reflects very poor etiquette.

Wait for seating before eating
When sitting down for a meal, you should wait until all the guests are properly seated and ready to commence the meal before eating. Everyone should start dining at the same time; this is a subtle but very important rule.

the basics of chivalry

In addition to the aforementioned rules, gentlemen (in training) should follow these additional rules when in the presence of a lady. Chivalry may be on life support, but it is not dead yet. Be one of the few to keep this flame burning for many years to come.

Always open doors
This is perhaps the most basic rule of male etiquette out there. It is also one of the easiest to follow so you have no reason to forget it. Whether she is about to enter your car, restaurant, club, or anyplace with a door, you should always hold it open. If there are many doors, then hold them open one after the other.

Put on her coat
Always help a lady put on her coat or overgarment. This is a simple but powerful action.

Help with her seat
If an unaccompanied lady is sitting next to you, it is important that you help her be seated by pulling her chair out for her and gently pushing it back into place, with the lady seated of course.

Give up your seat
If a lady arrives at the table and there are no available seats, you should stand up and offer yours to her.

Stand at attention
Always stand when a lady enters or exits the room. This rule has been somewhat relaxed, so you can stand upon entrance but remain seated upon exit. Nonetheless, if you can do both, you should.

Give her your arm
When escorting a lady (that you know) to and from social events, you should offer her your arm. This is a little more intimate, but serves well when walking on uneven ground -- especially if she's wearing high heels.

Ask if she needs anything
This is one that most guys already do, but helps complete the gentleman in all of us nevertheless. When at social events, make sure to ask the lady if you can get her something to drink (or eat, depending on the event). Show her that you care about her comfort and needs.

Gentlemen, if I may call you that, these are the rules of etiquette you should observe in everyday life. Elevate yourself above the rabble and display the mannerisms of a true gentleman. The world will appreciate such a rarity and your career will most definitely benefit from your good manners and savoir-faire .
 
My Dad once gave me some sage advice about finding a wife. He said, "Son, always ask yourself, 'If I died ten years from now, is this the woman I'd want to raise my children without me?'"

I never forgot that. Thankfully, when I watch my beautiful wife with our children, the answer is a resounding "YES"!
 
Good tips.....

I follow most on that mag tip list, the one I have to work on, is speaking too loud, I have a low, booming voice, which is great for teaching middle schoolers, and coaching and on stage when I do an occasional acting or M.C. gig....but during normal conversation, I can tend to overwhelm with my voice.......thanks for the reminder.:)
 
I forgot....

the most important one, my mom used to harp on......

Wear clean underwear, you might get in a car accident, and if they have to take off your clothes, it'll be embarrassing......lol.....:lol:
 
I don't remember much at all that my dad ever said to me. And my mom is certainly none with wise adages.
 
"Always wait 45-60 minutes after eating before you go swimming- otherwise you'll cramp up and drown". Bottom line, I don't swim anymore :lol:
 
"When they're little they step on your toes, when they are older they step on your heart" also said, they tug on your apron strings to they tug on your heart strings.

"Your mouth is what gets you into trouble"

"You made your bed, lay in it"

"Marriage is a commitment, not all those ooogi-squishy feelings...re: the Finnish Boot adage"

"Don't ever go to sleep until the argument is settled and resolved"



And some not so wise words:

"Writers aren't read nor do they make any money...until their dead"

"You're just like your father"

"Blood is thicker than water"
 
Some of my Dad's:

"Stand tall."

"Use a firm handshake."

"Look him in the eye when you talk."

"Measure twice, cut once."

"Understand the end before you begin."

"Fools names and fools faces often appear in public places."

"Don't fish in another man's hole."

"When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout."

"!*##*!!+++*!, Not that tool, I meant the other ***!!!###!*! tool!"
 
My dad's response to everything I ever griped about or whined about or wished had not happened was always...

Well, did you learn anything?

I always hated that.
Now I get it.
 
My dad always said, "Never just assume things. Because it can make an ASS out of U and ME.

He also said, "Opinions are like noses. Everyone has one."
 
He also told me more than once...

you don't have to love me
that is sort of a volunteer thing
but you WILL respect me
or move somewhere where you can find someone else to respect
 
my dad...

"If I tell you a duck dips snuff, you can look under his wing for the can!"

"A hard head makes for a soft a--...behind..."
 
Well, I suppose my dad taught me that I should spend more time with my children than he did with me. Especially if I get terminal cancer.
 
Terminal Cancer??

What does that mean???

When I was out of college and flush with cash from my first engineering job I wanted to buy a brand new royal blue Firebird with a T-top. When I asked my dad what he thought I should do he said, "Well, if you spend you money on a new car, you won't have money to spend on other things." I told him that I didn't need money for other things. But, in the end, I bought a used Datsun 210 station wagon for $2,000. A year later I went to grad school. I never could have paid for grad school (MBA) if I had spent my money on a new car. (Before grad school, I bought a sweet used Toyta Celica GT for $6,000, so all was not lost!)

My youth leader used to say (about sex), "You can only do something for the first time once!" That kept me out of trouble...mostly...:sing:
 
Davis,

I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart grieves to think of the pain you've had in the last ten years since losing your father. I know the Lord has a special mercy for the fatherless and I hope that you will know deeply His mercies as they are new every morning, regardless of yesterday's sins and temptations.

I don't know the mind of God and why He has chosen such difficult providence for you, but I do know that He is faithful. May He continue to glorify Himself in you. :)
 
What does that mean???


Terminal means leading to death.




jenney said:
Davis,

I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart grieves to think of the pain you've had in the last ten years since losing your father. I know the Lord has a special mercy for the fatherless and I hope that you will know deeply His mercies as they are new every morning, regardless of yesterday's sins and temptations.

I don't know the mind of God and why He has chosen such difficult providence for you, but I do know that He is faithful. May He continue to glorify Himself in you.


Thank you for your kind words. You've been a help to me. It's amazing what a few words can do to a weary soul.

May the Lord pour out his grace upon you and fill your life with his peace.

Your brother,
Davis
 
I Know What "Terminal" Means

Dagmire (or "My Name Is Davis"),

Hey, I didn't mean any offense...I just didn't understand what you meant that your dad "taught" you to spend more time with your children by...dying?

You sounded sarcastic, brother. And I know sarcasm...but where's the forgiveness?

I remember one of my friends telling me that the biggest thing he learned from his dad was how NOT to be as a dad. I think that's sad.

So...tell me a few things about your dad that you remember that were good...if you're willing...:handshake:
 
Did anything your parents used to say
...stick with you?

My mom - who faced 2 major cancers in her life . . . .
"this too shall pass"

My dad - whenever he thought appropriate . . . .
"You're cruising for a bruising." (and no, I wasn't remotely a battered child, it was just a saying he had)
 
My mom - who faced 2 major cancers in her life . . . .
"this too shall pass"

My dad - whenever he thought appropriate . . . .
"You're cruising for a bruising." (and no, I wasn't remotely a battered child, it was just a saying he had)

A friend of mine (also not remotely a battered child), his dad used to say,"I'll knock you inta next week if ya don't shut up!!"
 
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