15 Things We Inherit from Our Parents Whether Or Not We Want To
Ever notice how you do that one weird thing your mom does or have that stubborn streak your dad seems so proud of? Whether we like it or not, we’ve all got traits, quirks, and habits handed down from our parents. Some of them we’re thankful for (hello, good hair genes!), and others, well, we’d rather leave those in the family vault. It’s not just looks that get passed down, though. Personality traits, mannerisms, and even our preferences for certain foods (thanks for the Brussels sprouts obsession, Dad) are often the result of generations of “inheritance.”
Of course, this doesn’t even begin to touch on the parenting styles that get passed down like family heirlooms, only slightly less valuable. It’s like being handed the keys to the family car without ever asking for it. The truth is, we’re all walking, talking advertisements for our family tree. Here are 15 things we inherit from our parents, whether we want to admit it or not.
Facial Expression
Ever catch yourself in the mirror and think, “Whoa, that’s my mom’s face!”? Yeah, those raised eyebrows, furrowed brows, and even that skeptical squint—thank your parents. We tend to mimic the expressions we see growing up, which is why you’re basically a mirror of whoever raised you. And no, it’s not just in the face. Even the way you react to things can be traced back to those family dinners where everyone raised an eyebrow at Uncle Joe’s stories.
Sense of Humor
Like puns? Blame Dad. Sarcasm? That’s probably from Mom. A person’s sense of humor is often shaped by the family environment they grow up in. So, if you’ve got a knack for bad dad jokes or find yourself with a dark, dry wit, you’re simply carrying on a family tradition. You might even find yourself laughing at things your parents would’ve cracked up at. It’s like a comedic baton being passed down, whether you like it or not.
Physical Appearance
This one’s a no-brainer, but your physical traits—eye color, hair texture, height, and even the way your body stores fat—are all part of the family package. Sure, you might have wished for Aunt Sally’s cheekbones instead of Dad’s nose, but genetics had other plans. You can try to deny it, but every time someone says, “You look just like your mother,” there’s no escaping the fact that DNA had a hand in your selfie game.
Health Issues
If your family tree is riddled with heart disease, diabetes, or bad backs, well, good luck. Inheriting health conditions isn’t exactly the fun part of family genetics, but it’s reality. Knowing your parents’ medical history can be like looking into your own future. Just be prepared for the inevitable moment when you realize that yes, you did inherit your mom’s high blood pressure and your dad’s bad knees.
Temperament
Are you quick to anger or calm under pressure? Guess what? That’s not just “who you are”—it’s probably how your parents handled things. If your mom was always cool as a cucumber while your dad had a short fuse, you might find yourself somewhere on that emotional spectrum. So, next time you lose your temper or remain oddly calm in a chaotic situation, remember you might just be channeling dear old Dad or Mom.
Food Preferences
Hate broccoli? Love spicy food? These aren’t just personal preferences—they’re often inherited. If your parents were adventurous eaters or stuck to bland comfort food, there’s a good chance your palate developed in a similar way. It’s like your taste buds were trained from childhood to prefer mac and cheese over sushi or to crave chocolate ice cream at 9 p.m. every night. Thanks, family tradition!
Fashion Sense (or Lack Thereof)
Do you ever look at old family photos and think, “Wow, this explains so much”? Parents influence what we think looks good, for better or worse. Whether it’s your mom’s penchant for oversized sweaters or your dad’s love of Hawaiian shirts, these fashion choices can make an impact. You might find yourself gravitating toward similar styles without even realizing it, only to discover that your “unique” look is just a reflection of your parent’s wardrobe.
Work Ethic
If your parents were the type to work long hours and always stay late at the office, you might have inherited their hustle. Or, on the flip side, if they were more laid-back about work-life balance, there’s a good chance you’ve picked up that vibe, too. Either way, your approach to work—whether it’s nose to the grindstone or feet up on the desk—often mirrors the examples set by your parents.
Voice and Speech Patterns
Ever notice that you and your mom say “like” way too much? Or maybe you have a specific way of pronouncing certain words, just like Dad? That’s because speech patterns and even the tone of our voices are things we unconsciously pick up from our parents. You might not realize it until someone points it out, but once they do, it’s hard to ignore.
Body Language
The way you stand, sit, or cross your arms? Yeah, you probably learned that from watching your parents. Body language is one of those things that’s passed down without us even knowing it. It’s why people sometimes say you have your dad’s walk or your mom’s posture. You’re basically a walking, talking reflection of your family’s non-verbal communication style.
Patience (or Lack Thereof)
If you’re the type to lose your cool after waiting five minutes in line, take a look at how your parents handle similar situations. Patience, or the absence of it, is often a learned behavior. If your parents were the type to tap their foot in annoyance at the slightest delay, there’s a good chance you inherited that trait.
Music Taste
If you grew up listening to your parents’ favorite music, chances are, some of that stuck with you. Whether it’s classic rock, old-school country, or smooth jazz, the tunes that filled your house when you were a kid have probably influenced your current playlist. So, if you find yourself singing along to a Fleetwood Mac song, don’t be surprised. It’s practically in your DNA at this point.
Cleaning Habits
Are you a neat freak or more of a “leave it till tomorrow” kind of person? Your cleaning habits often reflect the environment you grew up in. If your mom was a stickler for keeping things spotless, you probably either inherited that or rebelled against it completely. Either way, your approach to chores is likely a direct reflection of what you saw growing up.
Sense of Adventure
Whether your parents were homebodies or globetrotters, their sense of adventure—or lack thereof—can rub off on you. If you grew up in a family that valued travel and new experiences, you might find yourself with a similar craving for adventure. Or, if your parents preferred to stick close to home, you might feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings.
Parenting Style
If you’ve got kids, you’ve probably caught yourself saying something and immediately thought, “Oh my gosh, I sound just like my mom.” It’s inevitable. The way you were raised tends to have a huge impact on how you raise your own kids, whether it’s adopting the same bedtime routine or using the same stern voice. And while you may have sworn you’d never be like your parents, there’s no escaping the fact that their parenting style has left its mark.
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