She Knows Everything

There’s a time in our life when Mom knows everything. Then comes a time where we know everything. Everything. Naturally, Mother knows nothing at this point. How could she when we know it all? Thank God we grow up and grow out of being so insufferable. Man about TOWN wasn’t always so charming. There were braces and bad attitudes, an unfortunate blue hair phase, a couple of awkward first dates. Nevertheless, I sailed cluelessly through those rocky teen years straight into college where, after a few years, it finally happened, just as I’m sure it happened for you: I realized my mother was right.

And this wasn’t a begrudging acknowledgement after my idea had proved disastrous. No, it was a wholehearted recognition that I agreed with every word she was saying, that I’d be a fool to ignore her advice. Do moms recognize that monumental moment when it happens? Do they add it to our baby books?

Since those college years, Man About TOWN has hopefully grown in both wisdom and charm (blue hair, never again) but my wisdom still gives out miles before my mother’s. And really, isn’t that how it should be? After suffering through muddy clothes, hundreds of soccer games, eye-rolling, totaling the car, my garage band days, changing my major six times, and forgetting her birthday two years in a row—well, she’s learned a lot about people. And the sweetness of stupidity, when it comes from the people we love.

In turn, I’m learning a lot from her. Mother’s Day is Sunday. You now have no excuse to forget, since Man About TOWN has helpfully reminded you. There’s still time to buy the gift, order the flowers, make the brunch reservations (hint: start with our dining guide), and most importantly, pick up the dang phone. I’ll wager that the best gift your mom could unwrap this Sunday is four little words: Mom, you were right.

In honor of our moms who know everything, Man About TOWN took a little stroll downtown and asked some of our fair citizens what they learned from their mothers. Here are a few of your best answers, Greenville:

1. All people have value. Treat them accordingly.
2. Wait thirty minutes after eating before you get back in the pool.
3. Pay someone else for a good haircut. (Although we’re grateful for all those bowl haircuts, Mom…)
4. Never buy anything full price. It’ll be in the clearance aisle in a month.
5. Good things do, in fact, come to those who wait.
6. Think before you speak.
7. Don’t wish your life away.
8. Call your mother.
9. Books are the cheapest, easiest way to travel the world.
10. Give and take, in that order.

What have you learned from your mother?