Things my grandfather used to say:
Be nice; because if you’re not being nice, what are you being?
Don’t cut in line. Don’t interrupt. Don’t pout. Never, ever take the last biscuit.
Smile, it increases your face value.
The wise man knoweth how to dumb it down.
You can’t think your way into the right action, but you can act your way into the right thinking.
Try your hardest, do your absolute best, and when all else fails, cuss.
Always obey your mother when she is around.
Everyone should pee in his own backyard at least once.
Listen to the elderly, they’re smarter than you. Unless they are men.
Treat other people the way you want to be treated. If the Golden Rule were actually practiced today, there would be no karaoke bars.
You never know what a consummate ass you can be until you give someone else advice.
Never judge a Denny’s menu by the photographs.
Let him who is without sin throw the first boomerang.
Whenever something stinks, check your own diaper first.
Don’t point fingers unless you’re standing in front of a mirror.
Always, always, always trust your gut.
Tomorrow is a day with no mistakes in it, but you’ll change all that.
Be nice to kids, one day they’ll be running your nursing home.
Feed strays.
When in doubt, do it the way your wife told you.
Never pass up an opportunity to hold a baby.
A good wife always forgives her husband when she is wrong.
‘Fess up when you mess up. Admit when you’re wrong. Don’t gloat when you’re right. And above all, don’t act like you know everything. Know-it-alls make life so incredibly difficult for those of us who actually do.
Change your oil before you think it needs to be changed.
Quit watching the news for 72 hours and just see how you feel.
Doctors don’t know everything. Neither do preachers. Neither do granddaddies.
Your heart knows a lot more than you give it credit.
Life is too short to work for bosses who treat you like crap.
Make a resolution to rid yourself of all bad habits, you can start with perfectionism.
Never, ever be lazy unless you absolutely feel like it.
Always bury politicians at least six feet below the soil, because deep down they’re good people.
Everyone is screwed up. The only ones who aren’t screwed up live in graveyards.
If you love someone, love them hard. If you hate someone, love them even harder.
There is nothing half as exciting as canceled plans.
If you’re hogging all the credit, you’re going to hog all the blame, too.
This is not the end.
Neither was that.
Ninety-nine percent of the things you worry about will never happen.
If you really want to believe in God, you already do.
Always listen to your grandparents. And if you don’t have any, then you can always listen to mine.
39 comments
Leigh Amiot - February 19, 2023 12:24 pm
My grandfathers were gone before I was born, but I had the blessing of a live-in grandmother. I often think of her words. One thing she said comes to mind often: “Notice whatcher doin’.” It’s a great reminder to stay focused and on task, especially in this day of a world wide web full of distractions. I plan to attempt one of your grandfather’s bits of wisdom—not watch the news for 72 hours.
mccutchen52 - February 19, 2023 12:41 pm
One of the things my Granddaddy used to say : “If you think someone is telling you a tall tale, ask them if they like to fish. A person that likes to fish is bound to tell a lie every now and then.”
Bob E - February 19, 2023 12:47 pm
Great read…
A friend, Romeo (long deceased) had a favorite:
‘Looks good from far but it’s far from looking good’.
Can be applied to innumerable ‘things’.
Cindy Gallop - February 19, 2023 12:54 pm
Aren’t words powerful? I’m a fan of “Grand”
Joy Jacobs - February 19, 2023 12:58 pm
“Listen to the elderly, they’re smarter than you. Unless they are men.”. Of course at 71 and being married 51 years this is my favorite. Of course I’m not elderly yet. 👵🏻
David Britnell - February 19, 2023 1:00 pm
Awesome words to live/laugh by!
Arnie Kring - February 19, 2023 1:47 pm
When you point your finger at someone, remember three fingers are pointing back at you!!!
Susan - February 19, 2023 2:02 pm
Have to agree with all these! Great ones! They each could be a title to a book chapter!!!!!!!
sflouden - February 19, 2023 2:27 pm
This is wayyyyy too good not to repost…and even make a few signs of some of the things to hang around…thanks Sean!
Helen De Prima - February 19, 2023 2:27 pm
Things my granddaddy said: No such thing as too polite. Stop riding like a bunch of wild Indians!
Stacey Wallace - February 19, 2023 2:28 pm
Sean, thanks so much for this delightful article. I was blessed to live in the same town as both sets of grandparents, and I miss them so much. I would have loved to have hung out with your Granddaddy. Love to you, Jamie, Marigold, Otis Campbell, and Thelma Lou.
Susie - February 19, 2023 2:32 pm
Yes, Leigh, I agree, we need to step away from the news, which is mostly bad right now, for anyone who’s REALLY been PAYING ATTENTION. Especially LOVE the one about burying politicians at least 6 feet deep, because down deep, they’re really good people. Lol
Leigh Amiot - February 19, 2023 7:07 pm
So far, so good, Susie! 😂 (about 7 hours fast from news as I type this)
Susie - February 19, 2023 8:54 pm
I’m impressed, Leigh. It’s tough, hut we might be happier…..for a time, anyway.
Connie Gibson - February 19, 2023 3:03 pm
A wise man indeed!
Gigi - February 19, 2023 3:08 pm
Your Grandfather was a wise man. Lots of good advice along with some humor. I don’t remember my grandfather’s having any sayings but my Mom had two. She said “pretty is as pretty does,” and “you can’t be jealous and not show it.”
Belinda - February 19, 2023 3:21 pm
Bravo …..I smiled and shook my head “Yes” all the way through.
You make me happy…….and that’s worth getting up for.
Robert Sheppard Smyth - February 19, 2023 3:43 pm
Excellent! Just what I was thinking?LOL
Patricia Gibson - February 19, 2023 3:54 pm
Absolutely!!
pattymack43 - February 19, 2023 4:28 pm
❤️❤️❤️
Melanie - February 19, 2023 4:40 pm
A wise man ! ❤️
Anne Arthur - February 19, 2023 5:04 pm
This is it!!!
We all should print it out and stick it to our mirror.
Your granddaddy was a wise man with a fine humor. No wonder you are who you are, Sean.
Suzanne Mitchell - February 19, 2023 8:20 pm
❤️❤️❤️
Sandi - February 19, 2023 8:22 pm
Sean, this is your absolute BEST! Did print it….will be decoupaging each valuable ‘Grandfather Quote’ onto a wooden plaque so all in my world can see and consume each word. Thank you, Sean, for the beautiful way you share life with us. God bless you! He truly has!
Linda Hubbard - February 19, 2023 8:36 pm
💕❤️
James - February 19, 2023 8:59 pm
My Grandpa said: “you can fix anything with turpentine and bailing wire.”
Elizabeth LeDuc - February 19, 2023 9:26 pm
Love this! Wise words. We loved meeting you last night and have been singing VBS songs all day.
MAM - February 19, 2023 9:29 pm
Granddaddies are wise. Often, daddies are, too. I wish I hadn’t lost my granddaddies before I was 10. I might have learned something from them. And I lost my daddy when I was 28. I still wish I could access his wisdom. But I guess I’ll have to listen to your granddaddy. His sayings are timeless, with the same kind of humor you have, Sean!
Linda Moon - February 19, 2023 10:05 pm
I’d loved to have heard your grandfather’s sayings directly from him. So, thanks for passing them along, Sean. I revised a good saying few years ago: “When all else fails, swoon on the couch with a cat on your head.” It always works for me..one or two cats at a time!
Ginga Smithfield - February 19, 2023 10:23 pm
A very wise man!
janet hedrick - February 19, 2023 10:39 pm
I loved the one about doing your best if that fails cuss. My husband passed away a little over a year ago. My garbage disposal quit on me so i bought a new one and installed it myself, 4 hours, 1 utube video and LOTS of cussing. I did it! I learned 2 things while doing it, next time call a plumber, and i should not of gave my husband such a hard time when he did the last one!
Carrol Sue Perry-Kun - February 19, 2023 11:23 pm
Make me remember my fàther’s favorite saying if I would dare disparage anyone about their appearance or behavior: “There, but for the Grace of God, go I.” My father was a wise, God fearing, God loving man,
Peter Blay - February 20, 2023 3:13 am
Right On! I am a teacher and i will share your Granddaddy’s words “Fess up if you mess up”. I enjoy teaching so much and I try to to give the students a “nice helping” of common sense and common courtesy, too! God bless you, Brother
obxhawk - February 20, 2023 12:35 pm
I love your granddaddy, and I wish I’d sat still and listened to mine.
Dru Brown - February 20, 2023 5:10 pm
I needed this. Thanks!
Kathy - February 20, 2023 6:36 pm
❤️❤️❤️
Deborah Harbin Hining - February 21, 2023 2:04 pm
I am married to a granddaddy and I Love, love, Love this! ….and I am Grandmama!
George Robert Leach - February 21, 2023 5:47 pm
Your granddaddy’s smart!!!!
charles Farrell - February 24, 2023 2:15 pm
Another thought, No amount of planning can ever replace Dumb Luck.