Learning through osmosis

Although I left my parents' house when I was 18, I am still learning from them, albeit unintentionally. Here's a sampling of the lessons.

• Being financially independent. My dad holds the purse strings, and consequently, the veto power on my mom's wants and needs
• Losing face. Fearful of his family giving him a break because of his financial situation, my dad thrusts money regardless of the occasion
  
• Being nice. People do this weird thing in which they put themselves, including their loved ones, down to "raise" others up. Very strange in my opinion
  
• Putting health first, and being proactive about it. They visited the ER twice this year, and its only March
• Taking a stand and speaking out. Being quiet doesn't solve anything
• Using your listening ears. This is a useful phrase that I learned from "Super Nanny"
• Choosing your words with care. Some words are never meant to be said