Decoding the Secret Language of Mothers

Have you ever felt that your mom means something else when she says something? Fear not, for you are not alone!

Mothers often speak in codes to disguise what they actually want to convey, kind of like Marie Barone from "Everybody Loves Raymond." :P

Following are my mother’s beloved gems, along with their decoded definitions. Any of these look familiar?!

a. Do whatever you want = Do what I want

I created this diagram to depict my mother’s thought process.

Whenever she asks me to make a choice, it is almost a given that she has already made the choice for me!

b. I have so much to tell you = You haven’t called me in so long

My mother feels ignored if I don't dole out regular updates about my life! Unfortunately, I hate talking over the phone, and hence call her rarely.

Each time I do though, she lets me know that we have ‘a lot to catch up on.’ More often than not, we have a 30 minute discussion about the weather, but, oh well! :P

c. Won’t it be fun to cook together = You have so much to learn from me

My mom is renowned for her culinary skills, and I felt honored whenever she volunteered to cook with me. I imagined us exchanging recipes and chopping and stirring together.

When I was reduced to following her instructions and doing the dishes every time, Ms. Naiveté here finally understood Mama’s true intentions! :D

d. You must really love that dress = Can’t you please wear something else

I love to repeat outfits, which irks my mom completely. She buys new dresses frequently, hoping this would inspire me to experiment.

But when I continue to show up in the good old favorites, she sighs and makes her displeasure known very sweetly! :P

e. I tried my best = No one appreciates me

I hear this whenever Mama believes that I don’t give her enough credit (you can imagine how often THAT is!).

It is my cue to smooth her ruffled feathers or move to the doghouse. Ouch!

f. I love you = I love you

This is the easiest phrase to interpret because it requires no interpretation. Despite her eccentricities, I know that no one can love me as unconditionally as my mother.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms for making every day worth living. :)