...that turned out to be true!

When it comes to love and dating, moms think they know everything. Their affinity for doling out advice is legendary, as is their reliance on clichés to express themselves. Thankfully, those annoying little quips mom made weren't all lame. Here are our favorite lines that are actually insightful.

"Play hard to get."

This one is a classic. Treating the ones you like/love/lust after the same way you treat the ones you loathe might sound disingenuous. But it usually gets 'em interested. Who doesn't want what they can't have?

"Living well is the best revenge."

It's as true today as it was when 17^th century poet George Herbert said it. This phrase is a perfect little nugget of wisdom that reminds us to live in the moment, live life to the fullest and be happy, dammit, with or without a date or bedmate. Oh, and it's also a helpful reminder to always look real good in case you bump into your ex.

"It's better than a sharp stick in the eye."

Remember when you'd whine about something - Johnny tripped you on the playground at recess or you didn't get an A on that test you crammed all night for? Mom's oh-so-subtle retort still applies, especially when it comes to dating. No matter how much back hair your latest dude has or how sloppy your busty blonde date's kisses, remember: It could always be worse.

"There are other fish in the sea."

The cliché to end all clichés actually turns out to be true. Anytime you're feeling sorry for yourself ("no one will ever love me again!") remember what mama said - there are other people out there in the dating pool. (And chances are, they're even better than the needy psycho refusing to give back your CDs.)

"Don't try too hard."

Maybe mom didn't say this often enough for your liking but it's still worth mentioning.  Putting forth an honest effort is important. But who wants to be like that revolting girl in your eighth grade class who ass-kissed her way to straight As with extra-credit projects? Life is meant to be mastered but it's also meant to be enjoyed. The cool kids who enjoy life most seem to have conquered the fine balance between work and play.

"Always wear clean underwear... just in case."

Mommy used this as a bizarre scare tactic in case you got hit by a stray asteroid on your way home from school. But it's a good one to appropriate for your life as an adult. You never know what's around the next corner, be it a heaving hunka hotness (+) or a runaway bus (-). Lesson? Always wear underpants: You're not Britney Spears. Extra points if they're boxer-briefs, which are hot on both genders.

"You never know what happens behind closed doors."

Picture this: Your football stud boyfriend dumps you at the prom for a cheerleader (did we miss a cliché there?). Your mom reminds you, tenderly, that you will never know how he treats her when the school crowd isn't around. It'll serve you well to carry this lesson with you as you try to decipher grown-up relationships, breakups and your friends' "perfect" (ha!) marriages.

"To have a friend, be a friend."

It sounds cheesy but ain't it the truth?  Being totally selfish - in bed, at the dinner table, on the blacktop after school - makes for a lonely life. To earn friends, lovers, whatever it is you're seeking, your best bet is to be a (gasp) decent person. You know, the kind who returns calls, apologizes when he's wrong and does nice things for others without expecting anything in return.

"You only have one chance to make a first impression."

How many times have we thought back to a first date, a first kiss or a first screw and wished for a do-over? That's why mom reminded us to always look and feel our best on the first go-around. In other words, don't dwell on the things you wish you could change; just live for today.

"If it walks like a duck..."

When mom said this she was trying to remind you never to ignore the obvious. Ie; if someone looks like a crackhead and acts like one (that money missing from your wallet again?) then there's a strong possibility that she is one! Mom knows you can't always judge a book by its cover, but you should always trust your instincts! Live your life with your eyes open and you'll not only be happier, you'll make mama proud.