Herb Silverman

Family Values: Traits We Treasure And Carry Forward

✍🏻 By Herb Silverman | Reading time: ~3 minutes
🏷️ Communication, Inspiration, Learning, Mindset, Progress, Reflection

Family Values: Traits We Treasure And Carry Forward

Which personality traits do you remember about your parents? Consider the ones that feel meaningful and touching. These are traits you can carry forward and use today.
With respect and humility, our parents are our mentors, our disciplinarians, and our friends. Most of all, they love us deeply. Over time, these early influences quietly shape how we show up, make decisions, and grow into ourselves.
Let me share two vignettes about my family—stories that are both funny and insightful, highlighting personality traits we can all use to our advantage.

Cat’s Meow

Describing my Mom is easy. She is proactive. Ingenious. A go-getter. Graceful, dignified, and intelligent. And in her presence, she is truly the cat’s meow.
Like 99.9 percent of women, she loves shopping—whether it is for clothes, shoes, or accessories. But in my mom’s world, purses win the race, hands down.
Why?
Because my Mom has a Magic Purse.

The Magic Purse

That is right—a Magic Purse.
Over the years, I discovered that my Mom packs everything imaginable in her purse, organized to a T. I tell you no lie. At any moment, day or night, she can whip out her purse to help anyone.
Me: “Mom, do you have some loose change?”
Mom: “Certainly.”
Me: “Kleenex?”
Mom: “Sure.”
Me: “Moist towelette?”
Mom: “Absolutely.”
Me: “An old picture of me when I was five?”
Mom: “Presto.”
Me: “Six golden medallions from Spain?”
Mom: “At the bottom of my purse.”
Me: “Three iron rods of equal length and height?”
Mom: “I have four. Would you like an extra?”
In all seriousness, my Mom exemplifies traits that everyone can appreciate. She is driven and committed, always finding solutions no matter the challenge.
From her, we gain attributes such as:
These qualities form the heart of a compassionate foundation.

An Inquisitive Mind

My Dad was a kind gentleman, known for his tenderness and inquisitive mind. Originally a chemist—specifically a rocket scientist (true story)—he later transitioned into real estate, specializing in commercial and industrial properties in the early 1970s.
He was tenacious yet loyal. Organized, but never overbearing. A true planner.
I miss him deeply. He passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), but his spirit stays with me every day.

Hostess With the Mostess

One of my fondest memories of my Dad was his hospitality. He was the “Hostess with the Mostess.” A skilled salesman, he was gracious, persistent, and endlessly welcoming.
A drink offer might go like this:
Dad: “Would you like something to drink?”
Guest: “No, thank you.”
Dad: “Are you sure? Coffee?”
Guest: “No, thank you.”
Dad (pauses): “Tea? Hot or cold?” Guest: “I am fine.”
Dad (pauses again): “Hot chocolate?”
Guest: “No.”
Dad: “Beer, Perrier, or water?”
Guest (sighs): “Alright. Coffee.”
Dad: “Superb! Right away. Something to nibble on?”
While I exaggerate slightly, my Dad always made people feel welcome and at home. He was consistent, cheerful, and carried out his responsibilities with commitment—and flair.

What Are Your Personality Traits?

Every generation passes down values and traditions. Along the way, parents also leave us with work ethic, examples, and quiet teaching moments that shape who we become.

1. My Dad and Mom — Florida, 1959

Which traits from your parents still influence how you show up for others today?

Explore further: How small actions leave lasting impressions »

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Herb Silverman

Herb Silverman
Herb turns optimism into action by exploring how small ideas, shared stories, and simple connections can create meaningful change. Learn more about Herb »
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