8 Things Your Parents Got Mad At You For That You Now Understand

Ah, yes, the glorious teenage angst years. We can all recall the decisions we wish we wouldn't have made and the clothing trends we wish we wouldn't have followed.

However, what you might remember most about these days are the arguments you had with your parents.

Some were petty and some were more serious. Regardless, you always (or almost always) thought you were right.

You thought this until you grew up and reached the years of having roommates and paying bills — things you never believed would come.

Whether you're picking up after someone else's mess or getting a bad grade back from that big midterm, there will come a point when you realize your parents were right and the things they got mad at you for actually made sense.

Reading these examples, you will likely know (sigh) they were right:

1. Not picking up after yourself

Your parents constantly hassling you to pick up your clothes and put your dishes in the dishwasher seemed borderline obsessive — that is, until you started living in a 200-square-foot box.

One shirt on the floor or a couple of dishes by the sink makes it look like a typhoon just passed though your space.

2. Not watching your finances

“But Mom, this Hollister shirt is totally worth $80!” What was I even thinking? $80 can feed me for a week (or more), pay one of my bills or fill up my gas tank.

Rest in peace, summer’s worth of income my dad told me to save, but I instead spent on Slurpees and friendship bracelet string.

3. Slouching

There is nothing more embarrassing than your mom saying, "Stand up straight; posture is key" in the middle of a crowded room.

But, all that standing up straight has paid off, especially when sitting in an office chair for hours on end (or when you're not hunched over in every single picture).

4. Forgetting to turn off the lights, unplug your straightener or stop running the water

Oh boy, this was a bad one. I never knew how much of an electricity hog I was until my first utility bill came. Sorry, Mom and Dad.

I probably shouldn’t have set the air conditioner to 60 degrees the first day of spring.

5. Not calling

It used to be so annoying to get that call from your mom asking your location and “ETA," but I must admit, I kind of miss the comfort of knowing someone always knew where I was.

I took that for granted, even if I wasn't always where I said I was. (Sorry again, Mom and Dad.)

6. Doing poorly on an exam

All of our parents were "literally ruining" our lives when they made us miss the basement rager of the season to study for that big trig exam. Now, college has made me realize just how important one exam can be.

I am so grateful for my parents enduring my wrath so they could teach me the value of education, especially considering how one college exam can essentially be your entire grade.

7. Finishing a product and not saying anything about it

I feel like such a jerk because this is something I now cannot stand. I would always fill up my cereal bowl and put the milk back in the fridge with only the slightest bit left, only for my mom to find it right after her trip to the grocery store.

Four for you, Mom, you go, Mom!

8. Not owning up to your mistakes

Doing the things you knew were wrong and still thinking you weren’t to blame is the quintessential teenage trait.

I can't say how many times I used to tell myself my parents had no clue what they were talking about or they didn't understand me, and I truly regret that now.

I wish I would have apologized more for all the hell I put them though and for all of the things I blamed them for.

The truth is, we all can relate to these in one way or another.

We are all reading them (laughing, of course), and thinking about how many times our parents got frustrated over the same exact things.

It took us so long to realize they know what they're talking about and have been around the block a few more times than we have.

We are always told we will understand our parents best once we have children of our own, and I don't doubt the validity of that for a second.

I can say, however, growing up (just even the slightest bit) has showed me how a few years can truly change a person's perspective.

So thanks again, Mom and Dad, because after getting even a slight glimpse of what you went through, I'm surprised you still talk to me.