8 mins

Erma Bombeck Quotes: Top 10 Humorous and Insightful Quotes by the Legendary Writer

Discover the wit and wisdom of Erma Bombeck with a collection of funny quotes about life, humorous quotes about family, and inspirational quotes for women. Get ready to laugh, relate, and be inspired by Erma Bombeck's timeless words.
by The Blinkist Team | 2023-12-10

Erma Bombeck, a beloved American humorist and writer, left an indelible mark on the literary world with her witty and relatable observations on everyday life. Born in 1927, Bombeck’s humorous columns and books provided a refreshing perspective on the joys and challenges of family, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness. Her work continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the enduring relevance of her unique brand of humor and insight.

Erma Bombeck, the legendary writer and humorist, was known for her witty and insightful observations on everyday life. Her words have the power to make us laugh, think, and reflect on the absurdities and joys of the human experience. In this article, we have compiled a list of Erma Bombeck’s top 10 humorous and insightful quotes that will leave you chuckling and nodding in agreement. So, get ready to be entertained and inspired by the wit and wisdom of this remarkable writer.

10 Hilarious and Heartwarming Erma Bombeck Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Cats invented self-esteem.

Erma Bombeck

This line emphasizes the role of cats in promoting self-esteem. It suggests that cats possess a unique ability to exude confidence and self-assurance, inspiring us to do the same. Cats are known for their independence, grace, and self-assured nature, which can serve as a reminder for us to embrace our own individuality and believe in ourselves. By recognizing the influence of cats on self-esteem, we can learn to cultivate a sense of confidence and self-worth in our own lives.

Cleaning the house while the children are home is like shoveling while it’s still snowing.

Erma Bombeck

This quote emphasizes the challenging nature of trying to clean the house while the children are present. It humorously compares the act of cleaning to shoveling snow while it is still falling, suggesting that it can feel like a never-ending task. The quote highlights the difficulty of maintaining a tidy home when there are constant distractions and messes being created by the children. It serves as a relatable reminder of the ongoing struggle that parents face in trying to balance household chores with the demands of caring for their children.

If I had my life to live over, instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished ever moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

Erma Bombeck

This quote highlights the transformative power of motherhood and the profound appreciation one can have for the miracle of life. It suggests that instead of wishing away the discomfort and challenges of pregnancy, one should embrace and cherish every moment, recognizing that the growing life within is a unique opportunity to participate in the creation of a miracle. This quote encourages us to value and honor the experience of pregnancy, understanding it as a sacred and awe-inspiring journey of assisting in the miracle of life.

Friends are “annuals” that need seasonal nurturing to bear blossoms. Family is a “perennial” that comes up year after year, enduring the droughts of absence and neglect. There’s a place in the garden for both of them.

Erma Bombeck

This quote reminds us of the importance of nurturing our relationships with both friends and family. It uses the metaphor of plants to illustrate the different nature of these relationships. Friends are compared to annuals, requiring regular care and attention in order to thrive and blossom. On the other hand, family is likened to perennials, enduring through the challenges of time and distance. The quote emphasizes that both friends and family have a place in our lives, and that it is essential to invest time and effort into maintaining and cherishing these connections.

It seemed rather incongruous that in a society of super sophisticated communication, we often suffer from a shortage of listeners.

Erma Bombeck

This quote highlights the irony of our modern society, where advanced technology has provided us with countless ways to communicate, yet we still struggle with a lack of attentive listeners. It suggests that despite the abundance of communication tools at our disposal, we often fail to truly listen and understand one another. This quote serves as a reminder that effective communication goes beyond simply speaking or sending messages, but requires active listening and genuine engagement. It encourages us to be more present and attentive in our interactions, fostering deeper connections and understanding in our relationships.

No one ever died from sleeping in an unmade bed.

Erma Bombeck

Once again, Erma Bombeck brings her unique perspective and humor to the mundane aspects of everyday life. This quote challenges our obsession with perfection and societal expectations. Bombeck reminds us that there are far more important things in life than having a perfectly made bed. It serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize our time and energy on things that truly matter, rather than getting caught up in trivial details. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to embrace imperfection and focus on what brings us joy and fulfillment.

Grandparenthood is one of life’s rewards for surviving your own children.

Erma Bombeck

This quote, from Erma Bombeck, humorously captures the joys and challenges of being a grandparent. It implies that raising children can be a difficult task, but the rewards come later in life when one becomes a grandparent. It suggests that the love and fulfillment experienced through grandparenthood make all the struggles of parenting worthwhile. This quote reminds us to cherish the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, as it is a unique and precious relationship that brings immense joy and fulfillment.

The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.

Erma Bombeck

This line highlights the unpredictability and serendipity of life. It suggests that even the simplest tasks can lead to unexpected outcomes and adventures. The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are portrayed as incredibly slim, emphasizing the potential for exciting and unforeseen experiences. It reminds us to embrace the spontaneity and possibilities that life presents, rather than adhering strictly to plans and routines.

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

Erma Bombeck

This quote emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the details and surroundings when seeking professional help. It suggests that the state of a doctor’s office plants can be indicative of their level of care, attention, and overall competence. This quote encourages individuals to be discerning and selective when choosing a healthcare provider, as the condition of their office plants may reflect their overall approach to their profession and the well-being of their patients.

If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it.

Erma Bombeck

Bombeck offers a lighthearted and humorous approach to dealing with life’s challenges. This quote suggests that when faced with difficult situations that cannot be improved, finding humor in them can be a valuable coping mechanism. It reminds us that laughter has the power to lighten our burdens and bring joy even in the face of adversity. Bombeck’s quote encourages us to embrace a positive and resilient mindset, knowing that laughter can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s ups and downs.

In conclusion, Erma Bombeck’s quotes have not only made us laugh but also provided us with a fresh perspective on life’s ups and downs. Her ability to find humor in the ordinary and share meaningful insights is what made her such a beloved writer. Through her words, we are reminded to cherish the small moments, embrace imperfections, and find joy in the everyday. Erma Bombeck’s legacy lives on through these quotes, reminding us to approach life with a sense of humor and a light heart.

Discover the power of laughter in Leading with Love and Laughter (2021) . This book explores how a love-and-laughter approach to leadership can lead to better team performance, improved morale, trust, creativity, and improved health. It provides the information needed for leaders to show love and to navigate the potential problems of humor in the workplace.

Leading with Love and Laughter

Leading with Love and Laughter


by Zina Sutch, Patrick Malone
  1. 19 min reading time
  2. audio version available

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