Take the “Almond Mom,” for example. She’s the mom or dad (men can be Almond Moms, too!) who, when you say you’re hungry, suggests you eat a single almond. Or maybe she’s the one who casually comments on your weight over Thanksgiving dinner, as if passing the gravy boat absolves her of any guilt. The term “Almond Mom” went viral for a reason: it’s a specific archetype, but it’s also a universal experience. It’s the embodiment of a certain kind of generational quirk—one that’s equal parts absurd, frustrating, and oddly relatable. But this isn’t just about almonds, or even about moms. From emotional stoicism to workaholism to the inexplicable need to save every plastic container “just in case,” these generational hand-me-downs shape how we live, eat, and think. And while some of them are harmless (looking at you, Tupperware hoarders), others can leave a lasting impact—on our mental health, our relationships, and even our sense of self.
“NO ONE WAKES UP ONE DAY AND DECIDES, ‘I’M GOING TO PASS MY WEIRDEST HABITS ON TO MY KIDS.’ THEY’RE MORE LIKE EMOTIONAL HEIRLOOMS— PASSED DOWN WITHOUT MUCH THOUGHT, OFTEN WRAPPED IN GOOD INTENTIONS. ”
So, let’s talk about it.
The obvious: almonds. Specifically, the idea that a handful of them could somehow constitute a meal. If you’ve ever been told to “eat a few almonds and drink some water” when you’re hungry, you’ve met an Almond Mom. She’s the queen of portion control, the high priestess of calorie counting, and the unofficial spokesperson for the idea that thinness equals worthiness. But here’s the thing: Almond Moms aren’t villains. They’re products of their own time, shaped by the pressures and expectations of their generation. Many of them grew up in an era where diet culture reigned supreme, where women were bombarded with messages about shrinking themselves—literally and figuratively—to fit into a world that valued them more for their appearance than their accomplishments. For them, passing on these habits wasn’t about control or cruelty; it was about survival. That doesn’t make it okay, of course. The impact of growing up with an Almond Mom can be profound, from developing a fraught relationship with food to internalizing the idea that your worth is tied to your
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator