The best advice undoubtedly comes from mom. Her life experience and infinite wisdom on relationships, work, and everything in between is priceless. So in honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve collected the best batch of perspective from mommy dearest. Mom, consider this our collective thank you for raising us right.

 

RELATIONSHIPS

“Kill ’em with kindness.” – Matt D.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” – Chelsea S.

“You know he’s the one when you feel that you want to be with him more than with your family.” – Rachel H.

“It never hurts to ask.” – Sonia A.

“If a friend is dating someone you don’t like, be diplomatic when sharing your opinion (unless it’s an abusive relationship—then be kind but direct). If he or she ends up marrying that person, your friendship may suffer because you’re the friend who doesn’t like his/her spouse.” – Christine W.

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” – Chelsea S.

“Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about yourself.” – Ashley D.

“Never go to bed angry.” – Tom K.

“The best advice my mother ever gave me was to marry a man less attractive than me so that I wouldn’t have to worry about him cheating…seriously.” – Betty L.

“The best advice my mom ever gave me regarding mean girls. She said you should have a ‘who cares?’ attitude towards them. And now, I live life the way I want to and if others have a problem with it, who cares?” – Pia C.

 

WORK

“The minute you think you are above a task at work is the moment you are replaceable.” – Claire B.

“My mom recently told me to get comfortable with disappointing people. My instant reflex is to immediately respond to the needs and expectations of other people. This advice has helped me to step back and spend some time thinking about what I want and to do things that are healthy for me.” – Kate G.

“Always pick your battles.” – Molly C.

“Do what makes you happy and success will follow.” -Marcus H.

“Don’t slouch. You’re much more intimidating when you stand up straight.” – Susan C.

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.” – Steve G.

“What I’ve learned from my mom through observation (she’s never directly said this) is that it’s never too late to pursue your passion—but you need to be willing to work hard to get it. She’s gave 110% into becoming a full-time painter (and is doing well at it!) while working part-time to fund it. She loves it. She goes to the studio before work and on weekends, volunteers there and has a coach/mentor to help her improve. Now she’s constantly getting into local shows and galleries and has her own space at the gallery she volunteers at. I guess I learned all this through observing her and hearing about how she’s getting there.” – Kevin H.

 

LIFE

“It’s better to regret something you have done than something you haven’t.” – Juste J.

“Lying only makes things worse.” – Jeremy K.

“You don’t know if you don’t try.”  – Sonia A.

“My mom has been a cancer survivor twice and not once have i seen her worried or scared. She is a strong woman. She tells me life is short, so enjoy and travel and do what makes you happy. Stay positive no matter what. I totally agree with her because I just got over breast cancer myself.” -Diana G.

“Have faith, but be patient.” – Sonia A.

“She always said: ‘KAREN!!! Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.’ I think she said this to me daily given my personality when I was growing up (considering my superpower is to fly off the handle and go from 0 to 60 in a second, so this was helpful in teaching me to take a step back. Even if I thought she was overreacting by saying it 98% of the time, it helped me cut back on fights in school, with bosses, other professionals, and has kept me from calling out internet trolls a million times.” – Karen A.

“Everything happens for a reason.” – Kate S.

“Do your best and that’s the best you can do.” – Rebecca L.

“Give me the courage to change what I can, the serenity to accept what I can’t and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Charlie G.

“When I was hungover freshman year of college, Mom told me the best thing was to get something fried and to chug a beer and suck it up! Think about that every time I’m hungover. Thanks Mom!” – Jessica B.

“Drink more water.” – Kate G.

“You don’t have to like it, you just have to try it!” – Matt G.

“Always prepare for the worse and you’ll be fine!” – Guillaume H.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” – Nicole C.

“See the world while you’re young.” – Katie B.

“This is a little cheesy, but my mom says that if I’m ever stuck in a rut, take a trip somewhere and it will change my perspective on things. It keeps me from overthinking. It also changes my luck and good things will happen.” – Yvonne Y.

“My mom would say ‘If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.’ But she’d also say ‘Finish your food or you will marry an ugly husband.’ It was a very conflicting household! – Sandy C.

“Don’t do what I do—do what I tell you to do.” – Alyssa T.

VALUES

“[As a child, every time someone complimented me on my looks] Yes, you are beautiful, but the most important thing is that you are smart and hardworking.” – Kristen V.N.

“Don’t make money your life.” – Nate K.

“We are all equal.” – Mehran M.