What Was the Best Advice Your Father Ever Gave You?

[Eagles Field]

And why?

[Yaelle]

Well, he was the best dad, so... ;)

[sargon]

I was probably about 3 or 4 years old. We lived in South Florida and my Dad and I were going into my grandfather's pool. When we got to poolside, my dad had to use the restroom and sternly admonished me "Don't go in the pool until I come back".

Well, you see, I was going to be a "big boy". I didn't need my daddy to watch me while I went in the pool!

So I eased my way over the edge and into the pool, let go of the wall, and immediately began to drown. The panic and helplessness was the strangest sensation I've ever felt.

As I was beginning to be resigned to my fate, suddenly a strong arm—my father's—plunged into the water, grabbed one of my flailing limbs, and yanked me out of the pool to safety. Another 30 seconds and I probably would have been dead.

What I had experienced was punishment enough. I believe the lesson was something along the lines of: "If you don't know how to swim, don't go swimming."

"Drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children ages 1–4 in Florida. Florida's drowning death rate among children ages 1–4 is the highest in the nation."

If I had died that day, I would have been the second consecutive child that my father lost at that house. A couple of years before I was born—in a front yard full of adults—a 2 year old who would have been my older brother was struck and killed by an automobile when he tried to cross the street after a neighborhood boy waved to him...

[huckfillary]

Measure twice, cut once.

[umgud]

Tiger Woods dad told him to keep his eye on the ball and screw the rest.

[Sacajaweau]

Never let go of the wheel.

I took drivers training but my father took me for a 100 mile drive before he would let me take my drivers test.

I remember turning around and letting the wheel come back by itself and that's when he said it.

Over the next 50 plus years I have come to apply it where it's necessary to control a situation....Hang on....don't let go!!

[central_va]

Remember, if you’re gonna be dumb you gotta be tough.

My Dad put it this way "Stupid is expensive"

[yarddog]

I can’t remember his exact words but something like “you don’t have any choice, you have to do the work I told you to do”.

I do recall he one time said to buy a Browning if I could afford it. If not then a Remington.

[Pollster1]

Spend less than you make and deliver more than you promise.

I've done a good job on both. I don't care how much you make, you can spend more, live in debt, and be stressed. I have never gone that route, and I'm much happier for it. I don't care about stuff or show it off. I don't buy a new car for the sake of newness.

Work is the reverse. If someone buys a bushel basket of apples from me, the basket is going to overflow and they will all be crisp. That may be just a half dozen extra apples, but the customer will be thrilled to get more than he expected, no matter how much my apples cost (no, I never sold apples, but the point still applies). I have never lacked for repeat business. Imagine a half dozen more (or fewer) apples in one of these baskets at the same price - the reaction will be VERY different.

[Bulwyf]

Your true Father gave you life, and he also gave you his word with far better advice and lessons than any earthly father could ever give us.

I’m sorry that both your parents took off when you were little. Were you taken in by an adoptive family?

[mosaicwolf]

“Never try to analyze insanity.”

[AustinBill]

My mother, who was a secretary before she became a full time Mom, insisted I take a typing course the summer before I entered high school. Most practical course I ever took, and always grateful to her for that.

[LeoTDB69]

Don’t meet anyone halfway. Wait it out and make them come to you. :)

[Celerity]

“Don’t hang out with losers. You won’t bring them up, they will only bring you down.”

[AppyPappy]

Exactly what crossed my mind

[CincyRichieRich]

Pay cash for a two or three yr old car with low miles.

Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems at any given moment.

Something is only worth what someone will pay for it at a given moment.

Don’t argue with an idiot as observers won’t tell the difference.

No better time than the present to be impatient for knowledge.

Yep, my dad said all of these to me.

[wardamneagle]

You’ll never be dissatisfied buying the best.

[Redleg Duke]

Not my Dad, but my Step Grandfather. I was a recent engineering grad, laid-off after three months on my first job.

He shook my hand for the last time (He was dying of pancreatic cancer, one year after retiring!)’ and said, “If you can’t work for two dollars a day, work for a dollar a day!”

[AlmaKing]

Buy real estate

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

Always pack a raincoat.

[dainbramaged]

Keep your nose clean. Dad said that every time I left the house.