Things Mom Always Told You

Move over, Abby and Ann. When it comes to advice, make way for Queen Mom. Here, some words of wisdom that Southland offspring live by:

“Life is like a bank account; you get out of it what you put in.”

--Claudia Christian, Los Angeles

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“Never eat anything bigger than your head.”

--Gloria Devine, Van Nuys

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“Never marry a musician.”

--Patricia van Hartesveldt, Reseda

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“You will always love your daughter no matter what she does; but raise her so that other people can love her, too.”

--Bernice Kenneson, Los Angeles

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“Whatever you do for someone, do it because you want to and expect nothing in return.”

--Allen Levoff, Los Angeles

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“Keep your mouth shut and your legs crossed.”

--Glenda Warren, Woodland Hills

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“Don’t envy those who have more than you; look at those who have less and be grateful.”

--Celia L. Leff, Culver City

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“Learn as if to live forever; live as if to die tomorrow.”

--Margaret King, Glendora

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“Never assume malice; just never underestimate the stupidity of the human race.”

--Etheldean Karabykova, Hemet

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“Don’t pluck your eyebrows so much or they’ll never grow back.” (And they didn’t.)

--Eloise Edmisson, Manhattan Beach

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“Leave the world a better place than you found it.”

--Robert Newhard, Torrance

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“Independence is the best gift you can give your children.”

--Pat Smith, Flintridge

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“You can’t change others, but always take responsibility for yourself.”

--Carrie Gatlin, Los Angeles

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“Speak up. If you ask, you may get it. If you don’t ask, you certainly won’t.”

--Rod Clement, Los Angeles

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“Before speaking, ask yourself: Is it nice? Is it true? Is it necessary?”

--Carol Lang, Norwalk

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“Don’t ever do anything you wouldn’t want me to see you doing.”

--Jo Hadley, Claremont

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