25 things your mum was right about

You know it’s time to admit that your mother really did know best when...

There comes a time when you have to admit the inevitable. Everything your mother ever said and did really was for your own good. This is a gradual realisation that hits most of us by our mid-thirties. Rather than being a conscious awakening, the signs first manifest themselves in your behaviour. You find yourself doing things your mother used to do, which until now have seemed completely pointless and embarrassing - such as saving bits of foil or answering the phone with a special telephone voice. Then you notice yourself saying things that sound exactly like her, such as the time I heard myself turn down a jacket a friend picked out for me with the words: ‘Hmm, I don't think navy's really my colour.'

 

This is the first step towards the passing of youth - you are no longer the rebellious daughter to the sensible mother. If you do any of the things listed on the next page, it's already too late - just let her claim victory. And don't be cross. She did try to tell you that one day you'd realise she'd been right all along...

 

You know it’s time to admit that your mother really did know best when... 

1 You find yourself making room in your drawers for a secret stash of pop socks. Yes, they are hideous but, as everyone knows, they have their uses.

 

2 You look at yourself in a new skirt and think, ‘I can't really get away with this without a slip.'

 

3 You've been on the look-out for an attractive draught excluder for quite some time now.

 

4 Similarly, you have recently purchased a butter dish.

 

5 You have a drawer in your kitchen containing random Tupperware dishes, used tin foil, bits of string and old bread bags. Just in case.

 

6 You have a burgeoning collection of recipe cuttings. You keep the best recipes in wipeable plastic sleeves.

 

7 You've wondered whether it is still possible to buy those hair-protector rain bonnets. Do they still make them?

 

8 You've developed a desire for a sewing box, and you're planning an outing to John Lewis to buy one.

 

9 You've recently decided that shirts do seem better tucked into skirts and trousers. When they're left hanging out it just ends up looking sloppy.

 

10 You carefully peel the sticky tape off presents so you can re-use the paper.

 

11 You feel on edge if you realise you've left the house without an umbrella.

 

12 You pack a dressing gown and slippers when going to stay with friends for the weekend.

13 You have considered buying a special light that clips on to your book for bedtime reading.

 

14 You find yourself saying loudly in a shop, ‘I wonder if they have this in any other colours?' and expecting the shop assistants to come running.

 

15 You have a tissue upon your person at all times.

 

16 You cringe when you see people put a bottle or a carton of milk on the table. It should be in a jug.

 

17 You purse your lips and say, ‘Well, I suppose that's up to you...' instead of giving your opinion. (It's only worth giving advice that will be listened to.)

 

18 You have three home-cooked meals squirrelled in the freezer.

 

19 You develop a sudden and unexplained aversion to men who have pierced ears.

 

20 You have a growing collection of ‘occasion' cards acquired for no reason other than the fact that you know you'll have to send them at some point.

 

21 You clean the kitchen floor more than once a week.

 

22You no longer throw out those helpful gadget catalogues that fall out of newspapers. In fact, you keep them somewhere safe.

 

23 Anyone who opens your fridge will see half a left-over boiled potato resting on a saucer. It might come in handy for something.

 

24 At your children's birthday parties, you hover with a pen and clipboard, noting down which present they received and from whom. Otherwise, how will they write their thank-you letters?

 

25 You realise home-made jam does taste different - and you're planning to make some this summer.

 

Does this ring true with you? Let us know in the Comments box below... 

 

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