Sometimes you just have to admit when you’re wrong.
That’s one of the important lessons my father taught me, though not, perhaps, in the way he might think.
Life has shown me that my dad usually has the right idea—when it comes to arriving to the airport at least two hours before a flight, making sure my car’s gas tank is never too low, and adding to a savings account and 401K (still working on that one, Dad).
Because no matter how many times I’ve rolled my eyes, I know he’s right. Most dads usually are.
And here at Garden & Gun in honor of Father’s Day, we wanted to pay tribute to fathers with their endless words of wisdom.
So we reached out to our readers, asked for the best pieces of advice their fathers passed down to them, and compiled some of our favorites.
Look both ways before you cross the street; don’t pick up any wooden nickels; and call me when you get where you are going.
Jason F.
Check your oil.
@Martharoni
Leave a job in such a way they will hire you back.
@DexMcCain
Always have Vienna sausages and crackers on the boat, just in case.
@stephk10
Know how to make white gravy.
@Leighbrownmom
Never trust the government. Stay away from the honky tonk. Stop chasin’ the mosquito spray truck… you might get lost in the fog.
Roger B.
Carry your money in the front pocket of your jeans (especially at the county fair).
Kathryn B.
Never shirk on the pour, unless it’s for Uncle Rex.
@fibsor
Speak with respect to your elders. “Yes ma’am” and “Yes sir” are spoken with conviction, not just lip service.
@_RSR32
Measure twice and cut once. Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time, or by God, you’ll do it over.
@cbaxterwrites
Never say anything negative about anyone because most people are usually doing the best they can.
@drmarthaboone
Quit trying to hit a flop shot. Only Phil or Tiger can do that crap!
@Wvwelldressedbarrister
No person is beneath you… Kindness, regardless of where luck or fate or where the roulette wheel of life has placed them, is what every person deserves.
@Libbet13libbet
Be honest no matter how bad it hurts.
@Tmjolley13
Debt is the ugliest four-letter word.
@Gina4piece
You put your name on EVERYTHING you do—whatever it is, make sure you give it your best.
@irishred_56
You can find humor and/or grace in almost any situation, even when the joke’s on you. If that doesn’t work, break out the peanut butter and Saltines.
@Lisaru1111
With a few questions and a good listening ear, everyone has a story to tell and is worth getting to know.
@19gg93
“I don’t care what everyone else is doing, that’s not how we roll!”
@Stephvtoakes
Never put anything in writing that you don’t want to see on the front page of the NY Times.
@Wkholt
Always respect the river. (Many metaphors to unpack there.)
@Caroline.thomasson
Quality time spent with your children is priceless. It will come back to you. Pass it along.
@Cpsaiter45
Never build a financial fence you can’t climb over.
@Susan.luka.77
If a snake falls in the boat, don’t panic.
Martha D.
