What our parents have always known to be true

At 40, I realized that my parents were so much smarter than me. We often ignore our parents because we consider them ancient. Looking back, I realize that my parents survived on common sense and street smarts. I would like to share some things I have learned from them. Maybe you have learned the same lessons from your own parents. You may even be able to share this knowledge with your own children.

• You will look back at the first person to break your heart and laugh at your stupidity.

• If you have sex without using protection, you increase your chances of either becoming a parent or contracting an STD.

• Suicide is selfish: although it ends your problems, it creates problems for your friends and family.

• If you don't work, you will never have anything.

• A lottery ticket is a poor person's retirement plan.

• If you don't learn a trade or pursue an education, where you are is where you will be.

• If you are a lazy teenager, you will become a lazy adult.

• If you can't love yourself, you won't love anyone else either.

• If someone in your life is negative, avoid them. Befriend people who will pick you up and carry you when you fall down.

• You have more acquaintances than true friends.

• Family members can cut you deeper than any friend.

• A true friend will pick you up at 2am if your car breaks down.

• No one has time to exercise unless they make the time.

• Your purpose in life is to befriend others.

• Everyone enters the world with nothing and leaves with nothing. Therefore, everyone breaks even.

• When you look at a tombstone, the dates are irrelevant. It's the tiny dash between the numbers that's important.

• There are no atheists in a combat zone. My father learned this in Vietnam.

• Forgive stupid people.

• Karma exists: treat people bad and you will get paid back. Treat others well and you will be blessed.

• Read more, watch less TV.

• Love your pets.

• Love your children.

• Never hit your partner. Keep your hands to yourself.

• Your word means everything.

• Don't watch the news before you go to bed.

• If your children turn out gay, love them anyway because they are still the same person you gently held and protected as an infant.

• Don't meddle in the lives of others.

• You aren't too good to do menial work. Do whatever is legally necessary to financially support your family.

• Show up on time for appointments. It's never acceptable to be "fashionably late."

• Bathe regularly and always use deodorant.

• Never judge anyone by their looks or skin color. Good people come in all different sizes, shapes and colors.