Weird lessons from childhood?

[Djamila]

Well, I'll share some more funny than weird ones as well.

- A woman without a husband is like a man without a wife (Dad)
- The girls who attract lust, love most, but those who attract love, love best (Dad)
- Dress as you wish to be perceived (Mom)
- Being a good person is better than anything else you could possible achieve (Mom)
- You are firstly a Bosniak, secondly a Muslim, and lastly a woman (Mom)

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Tigress

Cars were meant to actually be driven. You only need to leave ten minutes before an appointment that's twenty minutes away. (Thanks Dad! lol)

My Dad: Speed limits are for old ladies.

My Mom: Just because the speed limit's 45, it doesn't mean you have to go 45. 35 is fast enough.

[Tigress]

lol My dad can't stand it when people go slower than the speed limit. I told him to invest in a 'bat-a-ram,' or a tractor scoop.

[ayani]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

The stuff my folks taught me wasn't unusual for that place and time:

• Always address an adult as "Sir" or "Ma'am."
• Never talk back or contradict an adult.
• Don't fight with your brother or your cousins, but if anybody else starts something, you finish it.
• Sit up straight, pay attention, and stand up when you say the Creed.
• Sit up straight, get your elbows off the table, and don't talk with your mouth full.
• Turn off that television and go play outside.
• I don't care if Grandpa said it, I don't want to hear you use that word again.

my father, too. though for the time it was very odd among my peers to have a father with such strict rules and demands for respect.

i'd go over to my friends' houses and wonder what the heck was wrong with their fathers. "what is this? she can talk back to him? and he just smiles? he doesn't smack her or demand apology? my god, he's like some kind of woman!"

seriosuly, i thought it was beyond weird.

[MysticSang'ha]

I can relate to MidnightBlue's rules of engagment with society and especially with the family.


- "Elbows off the table. What did you do in school today? Don't talk with your mouth full! Dinnertime is family time, so share with us how your day went. Don't talk with your mouth full! Get your elbows off the table!" (Dinnertime was NOT a pleasant experience, but I guess supposed to be a "learning" experience. No wonder I had issues with food when I got older. *shakes head*)


- *after getting spanked* "Believe me, this hurt me more than it hurt you." Oh really? I don't see you crying, dad.


- My mother used to raise our arms up whenever we were coughing somewhat severely. I never understood that, and it never really helped alleviate the coughing. I just felt really silly with my arms held up by my mother.




Peace,
Mystic

[Booko]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

I can relate to MidnightBlue's rules of engagment with society and especially with the family.

Me too!

- "Elbows off the table. What did you do in school today? Don't talk with your mouth full! Dinnertime is family time, so share with us how your day went. Don't talk with your mouth full! Get your elbows off the table!" (Dinnertime was NOT a pleasant experience, but I guess supposed to be a "learning" experience. No wonder I had issues with food when I got older. *shakes head*)

Sounds like my family dinner time, except add in the ongoing argument about my brother's hair length along with it. My Dad would always be going on about bro's hair actually *gasp* touching the tops of his ears, and how the Bible said long hair was for women. And then my brother would just point in the direction of that terribly German-looking Jesus on the TV set (what a place for a shrine!) and saying nothing, and every night the same thing.

We've learned to make light of many things at Chez Booko. We say such illuminating things as "Don't eat with your mouth full" and "Never eat on an empty stomach" and "Drink your tea -- there are sleepy people in India."

I never had much problem with the kids chewing with their mouths full. The few times they did it, I just grinned, quietly reached over, put my hand under their chin, and lifted it. They got the point in about three tries, with no arguments.

My son is a picky eater though, and we've had arguments over that. But I had to train myself to disengage, as it only made things worse. He's gotten better, but there's still a lot of room for improvement.

- *after getting spanked* "Believe me, this hurt me more than it hurt you." Oh really? I don't see you crying, dad.

Oh sheesh, I remember that one. I don't even use spanking as a discipline for the kids. Well, first right now if I started a fight they'd be winning it anyway. But I know that when I got spanked later on I'd accidentally break something or do something naughty, just to "get back at them." I don't think it's especially helpful. Discipline is important, but it's not synonmous with whacking.

[shema]

mine is somewhat different, my stepfather always said, knowledge is power, and White man is the devil, and don't trust any of them. My mom never let us wake up without thanking the creator the most high. it left a lasting impressioon on me.

[jewscout]

I'm your mother, your father and your G-d - Mom

[evearael]

Not quite from my childhood, but by far the most strange from my father: "Your wedding isn't for you!" What!?!?