If you're an only child like me, or even the oldest, your first friends were your parents. You relied on them in times of desperation when all of your friends were out of town. Eventually, they became your confidants, your go-to's, and some of the greatest friends you'll ever have. Here are some things that happen when you have your parents as your best friends:
1. You look forward to coming home from college and even do it more frequently than your other friends
Listen, I love a home cooked meal and a hot shower as much as the next gal, but the real reason I came home so much from college this year was to see my parents. Knowing they're empty-nesters made me sad, but beyond that, I truly enjoy their company and love getting to catch up with them periodically — just like old friends would do.
2. You tell them everything — and I mean everything.
You gossip with them like they're just some of the girls. You tell them embarrassing stories from nights out and mornings after — things other people wouldn't dare tell their parents. Just like any good best friend, they don't judge you in the slightest.
3. Third-wheeling feels so normal it's scary.
I'm always like, "Oh, y'all are going on a date? Cute, where are we going?" I recently guilt-tripped my parents into taking me on their 25th wedding anniversary night out. It worked.
4. Your friends love them because they're "cool."
It took me a long time to come to the realization that I have the token "cool" parents, but mine really are so cool. They still act like 20-somethings and I admire that more than anything. My friends have always confided in my "cool" mom and dad because they know their secrets are more than safe with them.
5. And your friends are jealous (and weirded out) of your wicked-awesome, strangely-close relationship.
I get the question "were you home schooled or something" a lot. I don't know whether to be offended or flattered by that question.
6. There are no secrets, not one.
What's the point in keeping anything from your best friends?
7. You keep them young.
You teach them words like "bae" and what the dance move "dabbing" is all about, and they love it. They eat it up. They genuinely want to hear the latest Kanye song and why Beyoncé is so mad at some guy.
8. You are no longer embarrassed by anything they do.
My college friends don't embarrass me with their quirky dance moves or corny jokes, and neither do my parents. I think they're really hilarious, actually. Their jokes and college stories make me laugh out loud, not hide my head in shame and tell people "Yeah, I don't know them..." Instead, I'm like, "Heck yeah, that's my dad! Isn't he a riot?"
9. Summers at home are spent 98 percent at home on the couch between mom and dad.
Need proof? That's what I'm doing right this second, at 10:00 p.m. on a Friday night.
10. No one else's parents compare.
I adore so many of my friends' parents, but not enough to wish mine were any different — because mine rock, in case you haven't caught on already.
Happy belated Father's Day to all those Daddios out there, and bless all the moms (like mine) for putting up with the sandals and socks with cargo shorts-wearing men.
