Growing Up Is Realizing Your Mom Was Always Right

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Growing up is realizing that your mom was always right. The older I get, the more I reflect on my life, and the more I realize just how much I should have listened to her. There’s something about mothers, maybe it’s instinct, maybe it’s wisdom, or maybe it’s just hard earned experience but they have this ability to see things that we can’t. It's like they have a sixth sense, especially when it comes to the people we surround ourselves with.

I remember this one friend I had back in the day. We were inseparable, always having a good time, doing some good rat shit, getting into harmless trouble, and spending long summer afternoons hooping. To me, he was the best friend anyone could ask for. But my mom? She couldn't stand him. I mean, really couldn’t stand him. Her entire demeanor would shift whenever I mentioned his name. She wouldn’t yell or forbid me from seeing him, but I could see it in her eyes, something about him just didn’t sit right with her.

Of course, I ignored her. I was young, stubborn, and convinced I knew better. I thought she just didn’t get it. We always had fun together, so I never thought twice. But over time, my mom's warnings began to echo louder in my mind, especially the day he betrayed me. It wasn’t just some small falling out. He stole $200 from me, lied about it, and never looked back. That moment hit hard, not just because of the money, but because it confirmed everything my mom had tried to warn me about.

Looking back, it wasn’t the only time she was right. When it comes to reading people, especially girlfriends, my mom has a 100% success rate. I don’t know how she does it. She can meet a girl once and know instantly how the relationship is going to play out. I used to argue with her about it, saying she was being unfair or judgmental. I wanted to believe in my own choices. But every single time I ignored her instincts, I ended up regretting it. Every girl she didn’t like turned out to be emotionally draining, manipulative, or just plain toxic. And every girl she did approve of? Those were the healthiest, most fulfilling relationships I’ve had.

Now, I don't dismiss her opinions as quickly. I’ve learned that her insight comes from a place of love, not control. She’s not trying to ruin my friendships or relationships, she’s trying to protect me.

So yeah, growing up really is realizing your mom was always right. And honestly, it’s one of the most humbling truths of adulthood. These days, before I trust someone, I find myself asking, “What would Mom think?” Because chances are, she already knows.