10 Things My Mom Gave Me That I'll Always Be Grateful For

You can't help who your parents are.

Whether you care to acknowledge it or not, their blood runs through your veins (which is such a creepy saying, if you ask me).

We're not always keen to admit we're just like our parents, but I know for a fact I would not be the person I am today if I didn't #GetItFromMyMama.

Here are 10 things about myself I'm thankful I got from my mom.

1. My stubbornness

I hate admitting it (read: I'm usually too STUBBORN to admit it), but I am just as stubborn as my mother, and I'm sure she'd hate to acknowledge it, too.

Being super rigid about the littlest things certainly does not make my life easier. But it does guarantee I'm always looking out for myself.

My default preference is to do what feels right in my gut, but of course, my gut isn't always right about everything.

Still, I like that I'm a woman who knows exactly she wants, and I'd never want to be any other way.

2. My boobs

Don't get me wrong, ALL BOOBS ARE BEAUTIFUL BOOBS. But, if I'm being totally honest, my mom had, and still has, an impressive set of tatas on her, and she happened to pass those down to me.

It's not the best when it comes to shopping for a swimsuit that can actually cover everything up, but if anything, my large cleavage definitely comes in handy for catching crumbs whenever I eat a Nature Valley granola bar.

3. My organization skills

My mom was a secretary for a huge chunk of her career, and honestly, the woman was born for the role.

I've never met someone who can keep a more orderly calendar, nor have I encountered anyone who owns (and actually USES) quite as many manila folders.

While my type of organization is more like a mess that only I know how to properly navigate, my life would probably be in shambles without my mom's expert guidance.

4. My resilience

My mom has *clap* been *clap* through *clap* some *clap* SHIT.

As a child, she came from a broken and dysfunctional home, and yet she's still managed to create a life for herself.

Then, as an adult, she was hit with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I watched her shave her head and prevail through countless sessions of chemotherapy.

I haven't battled nearly as much adversity in my own life, but my mom has shown me the importance of maintaining strength and willpower through even the most difficult times.

Because of her, I've been able to tough it out through my own hardships, and I'll continue to channel her strength for years and years to come.

5. My taste in music

Mom, if it weren't for you, I never would have gone through my very annoying, but very necessary emo phase, and I wouldn't have such an undying love for The Offspring and Green Day.

You've always known what's up when it comes to music, and there's nothing I love more than jamming in the car with you to "American Idiot."

6. My listening skills

As a kid, I remember feeling beyond annoyed at my mom all the time, because she was always on the phone with one of her friends, basically listening to their entire life story, when all I wanted was for her to make me some damn mac and cheese.

Little did I know, I'd grow up to be exactly like her.

In my friend group, I'm often the shoulder to lean on and the hand to hold. I've never been a great talker, but I like to think I'm good at listening to my friends, and I honestly love being there for them.

7. My go-to tomato sauce recipe

Look, my mom may not have any Italian blood in her, but DAMN does that woman know how to make a mean homemade tomato sauce.

No, you can't have the recipe. #SorryNotSorry.

8. My timeliness

Thanks to my mom, I may as well be allergic to the idea of being late.

I respond to emails ASAP, I am the unofficial planner of my friend group and I always make sure I know exactly how long it will take me to get from point A to point B.

And if it's a place I've never been to before, you can pretty much guarantee I'll arrive at least 15 minutes early.

9. My love for the beach

Of course, when you grow up near the Jersey shore, this is essentially a given. But for real, every single summer of my childhood was spent in the sand.

Unfortunately, I did not inherit my mom's ability to tan to a golden bronze color. I'm about as pasty as Elmer's Glue, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

10. My sensitivity

No, it's definitely not fun to tear up every time someone says something mean to you on the subway after you've already had a very long day.

But, I love feeling everything as deeply as I do, especially as I grow older and realize so many people just aren't even in tune at all with their own emotions.

My mom has always been good at communicating her feelings, even if it means admitting life isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

My sensitivity helps shape my voice as a writer, and it informs all the relationships in my life.

Thank you, Mom, for literally everything. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without you.