Gems of advice 1, 2, and 3.

1. My mama always told me that you should fight with your husband before you marry him. Not on purpose, she amended, just... fights happen in any relationship, no matter how good. And, she said, you'll know how he acts when things aren't smooth sailing and you'll see how he handles problems. That, she said, is very important.

2. I once had a babysitter who told me that my sisters and I would one day be best friends. We looked at each other, stuck our tongues out, and shook our heads. "Doubt it!" we all said. And now... we are best friends.

3. My friend's Japanese grandmother told me I should only eat until I'm 80% full. That way, she said, you'll never have to worry about overeating or feel sick if food expands in your stomach... and you'll have room for suprise deserts! She then served me and my friend some of her homemade cookies. :)