I know best...

I've never said it outright, but I've been hinting at it for years... I know best.

[Sarcasm alert]

My mom gives me advice and as she puts it, I hear but I don't listen.

"This is different."
"It's not the same as when you were in school."
"I can trust them not to repeat what I said."
"It's not a big deal."
"I know momma. I knooooow."

Once the situation backfires, and it always does, I come back and say "I know. I know. You were right. I guess I just had to learn the lesson on my own."

I can hear my mom nodding right now as she reads this. No matter what, I always think I know best.

Prime example: I got pulled over a couple of weeks ago for following too closely behind the car in front of me. Oh, by the way, the car in front of me was a police car.

I swallowed my pride and called Momma to tell her what happened. Her immediate reply was, "Well, you do drive too close." "I knooooooow Mom, but I really wasn't this time! Why in the world would I tail a police car?!" "Because you're an only child and think you can do whatever you want." #Bahaha

Oh that Millie, she's a funny one.

I always think I know best. Apparently it's due to the fact that I'm an only child. I just think it's because I'm a very confident gal. ::wink wink::

Anyway, this "confidence" (as we'll call it moving forward) has seeped its way into my professional life. When it comes to how an event should be planned, I think that my way is the best way. My immediate reaction to opposing suggestions is to defend "my way" as the better alternative. However, lately I've been attempting a different approach: I actually consider the suggestion rather than getting defensive. And you know what? Sometimes people have better ideas than I do! ::wink wink again::

Just being honest here kids. But I'd say this new approach means I'm growing up!

Luckily, Momma loves me through my only child "I know best" moments and doesn't do the told ya so dance. God bless her for the grace she shows.

I've also learned to laugh my way through the moments when I feel like I've got egg on my face. Momma sent me the pic below following our "following too close" conversation. My reply showed I was listening to her earlier, "Must be an only child on the left. Thinks he can just paint whatever (or whoever) he wants!!"

I've been doing my absolute best to be much more self-aware lately. Sometimes life's events force you to do just that. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, I've started driving with greater distance between my car and the one in front of me. #LessonLearned

xoxo, E