My mom turned 47 today, so I thought I would ask her what words of wisdom she had learned over the years (written in bold) with a little help from my dad (not in bold).

M: You can never go wrong with being too kind.

D: Being nice to people doesn't cost a thing.

M: Always get a doggy bag. It'll be better the next day and give you a good a memory.

D: Never get a doggy bag. All you do is leave it in the car and it stinks it up.

M: Put your phone down.

D: ...really?

M: Knowledge is power.

D: An education is the only thing a man is willing to pay for and not get.

M: A woman should be able to support herself before she gets married.

D: A man should always carry a pocket knife.

M: Surround yourself with friends who make you want to be a better person.

D: But sometimes you gotta shoot a hostage (not literally).

M: These are the good old days (thanks Margaret Conger).

D: But they sure are stressful.

M: God's word is the only thing you can truly count on because it's steadfast and true.

D: The only other constant is change.

M: A good pair of shoes and a purse can make any outfit look better.

D: Never put a put a $50 saddle on a $5 mule.

M: Exercise is the best medicine.

D: Don't worry; be happy.

M: Love your neighbors. The unlovable are the hardest to love but they're usually the ones who need it the most.

D: It's the only way to change the world.

M: Life is about balance. Extremes in any part of life can take down the whole thing.

D: Try to dance and sing a little every day (even if it's in the shower).

M: Change starts with one small thing.

D: ^done consistently.

M: Always listen to your instincts. Whether they're trying to tell you something good or bad, they're usually right.

D: I've gotten into more trouble trying not to follow my gut than I have while actually following it.

M: Always keep confidences but never keep secrets.

D: And never talk about money outside the family.

M: Always stop at a kid's lemonade stand.

D: Make sure you pay them more than what they ask for. And never say the lemonade is bad.

M: Always tip live artists at a restaurant or bar.

D: No matter what the restaurant says, their fried chicken is never as good as your Nan's.

M: Always drive through to see the Christmas lights.

D: Never open your presents on Christmas Eve.

M: Everyone should know how to drive a stick shift.

D: And be able to change a tire.

M: Make sure the people around you know how much you love and appreciate them.

D: Three goods friends are better than a hundred likes on Instagram.

M: Splurge on the things you use daily–sheets, pajamas, coffee.

D: Don't wait for retirement or vacation to enjoy life; you don't know when you're gonna get either one.

M: If in doubt, go to the event in order to show love for a friend (concert, wedding, dinner).

D: Never go out to dinner on Friday night.

M: You can always come home.

D: Unless you don't have a job, in which case, join the Navy.

M: Choose to marry someone who is smart and makes you laugh.

D: Marry someone who is kind to you.

And, just for fun, here is some bonus advice courtesy of my dad:

Evil women drink gin. Good women drink everything else.

Nobody likes a smartass.

A paid-for car makes you money every day.

Always be nice to dogs and children. Cats–not so much.

Your dog is the only thing that's always happy to see you.