<p>This thread is being started because the “Do You Watch What Not to Wear?” thread is getting off topic . . . and on to this topic.</p>
<p>So, what did your parents tell you that made you what you are today??</p>
<p>My parents were wonderful people, but they never told me I was pretty. Now they never told me I wasn’t but it would have been nice to hear. Thank goodness for my husband. However the best thing my parents ever did was encourage me to read- anything and everything. I think my parents were a product of their time and place. Women didn’t aspire to much and praise wasn’t in vogue. Now I must remember to encourage and praise my dds. They are great!</p>
<p>True story: I was 19 and interested in a guy, friend of a friend. We were going to double date – casual, but I hoped it woud turn romantic. I NEVER EVER talked to my mom about these things and here’s why. I was telling her how "I’m so nervous about this “date,” I really want it to go well. And I know what you’re going to say – ‘just be yourself’ " And she jumps in and says, “No! Don’t be yourself!!!” </p>
<p>Uh, thanks mom.</p>
<p>My Dad always gives me a big bear hug and a huge kiss on the cheek every time I see him. How can that not make you feel good, lol. He brags on me to all his co-workers. I feel for them. Truly. My Dad always told me he loved me or was proud of me, or something to that effect EVERY time I saw him. He always says “I love you” whenever we talk and always has. How can you not feel good about a person who tells you they love you every time they see you or talk to you ( and by osmosis, good about yourself because you are “obviously” worthy)? I think that is key. Of course, my parents were divorced, so it’s not like he was saying I love you every five minutes. </p>
<p>My Mom, with whom I lived, wasn’t physically affectionate. But she often told me she was proud of me, that I was smart, that she was pleased with how I was doing and living my life. She spoke like a feminist way back when…how I could do anything I set my mind to…she had FAITH in me, believed in me, etc.</p>
<p>I grew up feeling good about myself and expecting others to treat me with respect…so they did. I think that is the gift my parents gave me. I felt loved, valued, respected. That is a great feeling. Not that everything was perfect, of course not.</p>
<p>My mother has always been very effusive in her praise of me, and it has kind of backfired. Her own mother did not compliment her, and so my mom wanted to do a better job with her own Ds. But it’s always been too much and leaves me feeling it’s a little insincere. For example, as I am trying to tell her about something I am reading or that I’m interested in, she will interrupt and say, “Oh, you’re SO smart!” I have always felt that I was more someone to brag about to her friends rather than be appreciated for myself as her D. </p>
<p>My dad was very nice in his compliments, not too much, but we always knew he was proud of us and approved of us.</p>