When I was growing up my parents used the reasoning, “Because it builds character” for everything. 

Me: Why do I hafta to eat tofu? 

Mom: Because it builds character.

Me: Why do I hafta mow the lawn?

Dad: Because it builds character.

Me: Why are The Cosby Show & The Golden Girls the only TV shows I’m allowed to watch?

Mom & Dad: Because they build character. 

I grew up hating this character thing because it represented everything non-fun. I couldn’t grasp it and I just didn’t get it. 

Years later I learned that character really is important. It’s the umbrella for all of those other super important traits like integrity, morals and ethics. It dictates how people act and treat you. Sometimes, you have to cut people out of your life who’s character isn’t up to standards because bad character is contagious. You’ve gotta work to protect the character that your parents spent all those years building with tofu dinners and The Golden Girls marathons. 

Character is everything. Lawn-mowing exercises both the mind and body and The Cosby Show was some damn good television. Thanks Mom & Dad… I get it now.