Were you taught that the way you acted outside of the family was a?

Question

reflection of your parents? This saying would always stop me in my tracks when I was about to do something because I did not want to bring shame on my parents.

Answer 1

It was unspoken about expectations in public, but it was there. We were a close knit family and stuck up for each other no matter what. We just knew our behavior was a reflection on our family so we polished it for the world to see. At home, that was a different story. We could be practically kill each other, but just let someone else start something and we would stand up against them. It was a great time to be raised with values and morals not much touted these days. Thanks for helping me remember what a great family I have.

Answer 2

Was I taught that? Well...I guess I may have been told that but some of the things I did were definately not a reflection of my parents. I just always thought I'd never get caught, so I wouldn't "bring shame" on them. But I'd say most if not all people have at least heard that.

Answer 3

My mother was an interesting person. She didn't allow "bad" language in the home. She never even said "hell" or "damn." However, she told me that, if I wanted to, I could use such language outside. I just couldn't do it at home.

I have a very different attitude about "bad" language than my mother did. I think that there are no "bad" words. That *intent* is what really counts. The nastiest things can be said with the nicest words, and even with a smile.

Answer 4

Yes. In our little town image was important. Even if your father spent most of his time at the local bar...you didn't do anything that might reflect badly on him. The problem with that was, you often got blamed for things you didn't do; and often were prevented from going places with friends because the bar-buddies' kids got into trouble everywhere they went. When you raise kids to know right from wrong, you need to let them prove they know right from wrong.

Answer 5

well, i was raised in a pretty much "you do as i tell you" type of household. this is somewhat odd because both of my parents did pretty much whatever they wanted when they were growing up. although, they never really got into the drugs scene. they aren't religious. they don't drink too much. just on occasions. they do swear but don't want us to. we were taught to respect elders and follow the law. how do i act? i do swear. i do drink. i do speed. haven't done drugs but i don't have a thing against them. i do as i'm told but i have hidden a few things from them because i know it would disappoint them. basically, i follow their rules for the most part and hide the one's that don't. if that makes any sense.

Answer 6

I believe somehow, that was instilled some way rather than words.hmmmm, I never wanted to embarrass my Dad, but I can't remember anyone saying that my actions would be a reflection on him.

Answer 7

My father was fairly well known in the community so my mom always gave us the whole speech before going out into public. The draw back was IF any of us did something wrong, it seemed the whole world reacted. (it just seemed that way).

Answer 8

Yes, but my brother and I always seemed to do it anyway and we got our butts whipped constantly. Maybe we really liked getting our butts whipped. I don't know, because we didn't stop until my Dad broke the ' DREADED ' razor strap. That was when we stopped acting like fools and decided to grow up. You get beat with a razor strap and it stays with you forever.

Answer 9

Oh yes. We were expected to mind our manners and be on our best behavior. Mother was the true definition of a southern lady.

Answer 10

Yes, we were taught that. We knew if we got in trouble somewhere else we'd get in trouble at home. We didn't dare let others think we weren't taught to behave properly.