Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

What’s the best life advice you have been given?

186 replies

RosieLeaLovesTea · 22/10/2022 18:50

Interesting one - what is the best life advice you have been given and what you would pass onto someone?

OP posts:
StarDolphins · 22/04/2023 18:19

The one I hate is ‘live like it’s your last day’ or something like that. I never get this, who even has the time or energy for this!

The ones I like are…

Soend a bit, save a bit
Never leave yourself financially vulnerable
This too shall pass
Always keep som indendence
iIf you can’t change it, don’t worry about it
Stay true to your beliefs & stick up for what you believe in
Be unique & embrace differences
If any relationship isn’t working, leave it

Great thread!

Toomanysleepycats · 22/04/2023 18:44

I thought I heard two really good ones when I was younger.

Sometimes it is better to be kind than right.

A partnership/marriage should be a doubling of interests not a halving of interests.

I took these on board and implemented them, unfortunately I did it with the wrong man and ended up being taken advantage of.

So my new favourite one (found on Mumsnet) is Dont set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.

morejumpingfrogs · 22/04/2023 20:01

If you are asking yourself if the skirt/top/whatever is too tight - it is!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 11:48

Eat the Frog - do the worst thing first.

slowquickstep · 23/04/2023 11:53

Your current situation is not your final destination.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 11:57

Own your mistakes
Never email in anger
Don't spend more than 1/3 your income on rent
No one has written a book about you and your baby
If money is tight, aim for the best of the mainstream rather than the worst of the luxury (eg a decent VW rather than a basic bmw; a house which provides access to a good state school, rather than spending on a poor independent).
Feel the fear and do it anyway

PrincessHoneysuckle · 23/04/2023 11:57

Fool me once shame on you.
Fool me twice shame on me.

IAcceptCookies · 23/04/2023 11:58

Lefty loosey, righty tighty.

Exercise (at least a little) every day.

Tell people whom you love that you love them. Every day, or at least often.

IAcceptCookies · 23/04/2023 11:59

Oh, and...

Smile.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 12:01

I'm not for twee at all, but two suites that have stayed with me (these may not be word perfect):

You can't change the beginning, but you can change the end (CS Lewis).
It'll be alright in the end; if it's nut alright, it's not the end. (John Lennon, but often quoted by our old CEO, and being maxed out by me at the moment, going through a difficult time).

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 12:01

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 12:01

I'm not for twee at all, but two suites that have stayed with me (these may not be word perfect):

You can't change the beginning, but you can change the end (CS Lewis).
It'll be alright in the end; if it's nut alright, it's not the end. (John Lennon, but often quoted by our old CEO, and being maxed out by me at the moment, going through a difficult time).

Suites = quotes

Another piece of advice - always proof read!

tatteddear · 23/04/2023 12:03

No one is coming to save you (so accept that and get on with getting yourself out of your own messes and learn from them for next time)

Petrarkanian · 23/04/2023 12:03

My dad's advice was always " You only get one life, do what makes you happy"

SOMumm · 23/04/2023 12:05

from my dd, as a mid teen - always behave yourself when you are out as you never know who is watching and knows you when you may not necessarily know them.

It worked, I always have.

don’t drink and dial (text, email etc.)

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 12:07

You don't have to like everybody, and they don't have to like you.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/04/2023 12:09

Only send emails you'd be happy to be read out at a tribunal!

WhineWhineWhineWINE · 23/04/2023 12:14

On a night out, fill your handbag with bog roll in the first pub toilet.

frozendaisy · 23/04/2023 12:34

Don't rule anything out.

frozendaisy · 23/04/2023 12:35

WhineWhineWhineWINE · 23/04/2023 12:14

On a night out, fill your handbag with bog roll in the first pub toilet.

Why was I NEVER told this!

MidnightConstellation · 23/04/2023 13:08

WhineWhineWhineWINE · 23/04/2023 12:14

On a night out, fill your handbag with bog roll in the first pub toilet.

Why?

MidnightConstellation · 23/04/2023 13:09

tatteddear · 23/04/2023 12:03

No one is coming to save you (so accept that and get on with getting yourself out of your own messes and learn from them for next time)

Great advice

WhineWhineWhineWINE · 23/04/2023 14:32

Because by the end of the night, every pub loo you go in will have run out and you'll be having to drip dry 😉

MidnightConstellation · 23/04/2023 14:41

WhineWhineWhineWINE · 23/04/2023 14:32

Because by the end of the night, every pub loo you go in will have run out and you'll be having to drip dry 😉

Ah! I see!

LouiseWhippy · 23/04/2023 14:47

Give your time, attention and love to those who show you the same.

Your actions of today shape your tomorrow.

Look after your teeth.

Find joy in your children's childhood. They can never be repeated.

In your actions and words make your children feel special and valued. The way you look at them, touch them, the way they overhear you talk about them to others.

Don't adopt a resting bitch face unless you're trying to frighten people off.

Iamblossom · 23/04/2023 14:59

My husband (then boyfriend) took me out on a driving lesson and said "if every other person driving a car can do it so can you".

It can be applied to so many different life scenarios and it really helped JFDI.