Lifestyle

6 Times Mom Was Totally Right And You Were Just Annoyed By It

by Irene Merrow
Stocksy

Recently, my mom came to visit me in New York City for the weekend, and it made me realize a few things.

First, it gave me an awesome idea for a reality television show where a panel of moms gives passive-aggressive fashion advice. Second, I discovered my mom makes a great drinking buddy.

But, most importantly, I realized my mom is an amazingly smart woman who has been 100 percent on my side all along, despite what my ungrateful, angsty 13-year-old self believed.

Remember when you were in sixth grade, nobody understood you, the entire world was against you and it was definitely all your mom’s fault?

Every day, she would try so hard to get on your side, nicely ask how your day was, offer some wise advice and all you would give her in return was an aggressive, “Shut up, Mom, you’re ruining my life!” before you stomped up the stairs to your room? (We were all horrible people in middle school, right? This isn’t just me?)

I remember thinking I knew everything and I was always right. And, you know who was always wrong? Mother dearest.

Well, turns out I was a big dummy who had it completely backwards. Now, as a 23-year-old “adult,” I can look back and realize Mom was right all along. After all, mother knows best.

Don’t believe me? Here are a few truths my mom told me as a kid that caused me to roll my eyes and think, “WHATEVER”:

1. “The other kids are just jealous.”

That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Why would they be jealous of my bowl cut and the fact that I look like a boy? You don’t get anything, do you, Mom?

I took this way too literally. No, they were probably not jealous of my bowl cut, BUT they were jealous of the security I possessed to rock that hairdo. Clearly, they lacked that security, hence their mean, teasing tendencies.

My mom knew that, and she always encouraged me to be unique, original and true to myself. She was never a big believer in following the trends or caring too much about what the “cool kids” think.

I get it now: Being different and having confidence is something to be jealous of.

2. “Love happens when you least expect it.”

Pffft, yeah right. You’re just saying that to make me feel better because I’m clearly going to die alone. All you’re doing is making me feel stupid and pathetic. I’m going to go lock myself in my room and listen to My Chemical Romance on my Walkman to blow off some steam.

I’ll admit, I gave up on the whole love game and instead, channeled all of my time and energy into figuring out who I was and what I wanted.

I became a much more secure person, and eventually, one day, when I least expected it, I met a guy who fell in love with me for that.

3. “If he wants to see you, he’ll see you. If he wants to talk to you, he’ll talk to you.”

Whatever, Mom. Clearly you don’t get how modern love works.

No, Mom just knew playing games is dumb, and if someone cares about you, he won’t play with your heart.

4. “Don’t wish time away.”

Yeah right, I want high school to be over with NOW so I can ditch this stupid town and move far away to a place where people actually get me!!!!

The future is exciting, but my mom had a great point. The present is precious, and it’s constantly slipping away. Cherish it. Time flies, blah, blah, blah.

Seriously, no need to wish away something so temporary — it’ll inevitably end, so enjoy it while you can.

5. “I know it seems like the end of the world now, but you’ll get through it.”

Proof that you don’t know anything because nothing will ever be okay.

Turns out life goes on. Touché, Mom.

6. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”

I’m older now!! I understand now; you’re the one who doesn’t get anything!

Looking back, 14-year-old me was essentially a walking, talking baby. I understood things, yes. And, I definitely felt things strongly and meaningfully in a way that I do think adults can’t remember or understand once they are older.

But, I was convinced I knew everything, and like my mom said, I didn’t. I had a lot to learn, and that would come with time.

Once again, Mom, you were right.

Just don't tell 14-year-old me I said that — it would ruin her life.