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To be and how Not to be

"Learn to be like her- so warm and hospitable"..."Learn how not to be from that person- so arrogant and loud"... Every mom has told her child how to be and how not to be. So I decided to join the bandwagon.

Dear Sahasra,

1. Smile. Teeth or no teeth, it's more powerful than an aspirin is for a headache.
But when you smile after you chew the newspaper, remember that your mother is going to be a dud with current affairs (or if it's a gossip paper, your mom will be the only one not to know where Aishwarya Rai took her daughter).
2. Family is more pleasure than pain. Even if you've never met them before or you don't know how they are related to you.
And when they ask you "do you know who I am?" say- "of course, you are that mama/mami who finished all the payasam at the previous wedding we met at!"
3. Planning is important. Plan to be happy and chirpy.
And if you forget to do your 'planned' homework or craft assignment, Appa will complete it for you! Amma plans to sleep well in a few years' time.
4. It's great to have a brilliant memory. Selective amnesia is better- which argument or grudge is worth it?!
When you are 5, you will fight and make up in 2 minutes. When you are 25, give up the fight, forget the anger and make up in 2 minutes... But that doesn't mean you bring back broken toys or phones.
5. An analytical mind is a scientist's arsenal. Analyse your work, not someone else's words.
But when I say "NO" , don't smile and crash the remote anyway to see what's inside.
6. Love, they say, is the most powerful thing in the world. Love everyone for their warmth, not their persona.
And in a few years, I will remind you that I am referring to the platonic kind!
7. Time is always available in plenty. Don't claim to have none when you have years and years in front of you.
Oops..time to go- have work to do!!! - I mean.. later- No I mean...I have to rush now- O god... I HAVE time, but just not now... Aaarghhh... OK I'll figure this one out! ..Uhmmm....

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