There's something special about grandmas. They hug a little tighter, reprimand a little fiercer, and love a little harder than anyone else in your life. I'm lucky to have an especially awesome grandma. She's not afraid to say what she thinks, but I'm okay with that because usually what she thinks revolves around how much she loves you. Or how much she still loves you even after you've screwed up. Regardless of if you have the same relationship with your grandma, one thing is for sure: grandmas are a valuable resource in all of our lives.

1. They can introduce you to old shows and songs.

I'll admit it, I'm a huge scaredy-cat. I'm afraid of literally everything, from commitment to ghosts to 90's movies. Seriously, that's a real fear, I hate 90's movies. But somehow, I have a weird appreciation for the TV series "Ghost Whisperer." I think it's because when I was little, my parents would drop me off at my grandma's house on Friday nights. We would curl up on the couch and I would half-watch, half-hide while snuggled in the crook of her arm. Somehow through those viewings, I learned to be less of a little bitch and eventually I could watch with both eyes open.

Throughout the years, she's introduced me to tons of other shows and music. Most notably "Stagger Lee," which we used to dance to every night I slept over and I still put on to this day when I'm sad. When you don't know what to watch on Netflix or add to your Spotify playlist, it might be worth it to call up Gram and see what recommendations she has. I mean, you share a bloodline, so you probably share some common interests.

2. They're the best when you're looking for a little self-reflection.

You may think the best people to help you learn more about yourself would be your parents, but they may have been a little too busy raising you to actually pay close attention to your habits. My grandparents spent just as much time watching me, but on a hell of a lot more sleep, I can tell you that for sure. Sometimes when I want to self-reflect and think about who I am and where I'm going, I call Grandma Nora and see what she thinks.

You see, Gram kept everything that we gave her, and I mean everything. Every crude scribble drawing, every musical program book, every ticket stub and more. When we graduated high school, she compiled all of it into a scrapbook with a letter in the front that she began writing when we were born. One day, I was in my childhood bedroom, contemplating old relationships and I opened up the book to her letter to me. "Mary makes you feel needed, wanted, and loved, but only if she needs, wants, or loves you at that moment," she wrote. It made me think about how I act in a relationship and in life...maybe it's time to inject some stability into my actions.

Also, she correctly predicted that someone would come into my life soon, despite my protestations that I was going to be single until I graduated college. Sometimes I think that grandmas can see the future.

3. They can teach you some amazing skills.

I can make 3 things in the kitchen: nut roll, plum jam, and banana cake. I learned all three from my Grandma. I've never been what you might call "domestic," but I can impress a man and his family with the fact that I can make my own jam. Theoretically, at least. I haven't done it in awhile. Grandmas have cool skills like old school dancing and the art of thank you card writing. Take a minute to call her and learn something that will help you stand out from the crowd.

4. They have a unique perspective.

My favorite thing about my grandma is that she has always been willing to talk to me like an adult. A month or so ago we had an interesting discussion about Planned Parenthood and abortions. While she and I will probably never agree on the topic, it's a beautiful thing to talk to someone from another generation about pertinent issues. We were able to disagree in a respectful way that left us both able to walk away with a new perspective.

I will say that I have an exceptionally cool grandma and that not everyone can talk to their grandparents about such polarizing issues. But even if you just talk about music or maybe a new food trend, it's always worthwhile to have a different viewpoint at your fingertips.

5. They give the greatest hugs.

I cry every time my grandma hugs me. And I know that doesn't mean much because I cry at everything, all the time, but there's just something about her specific embrace that makes me tear up. She's warm and soft and always smells like copper for some reason. When she hugs me, it makes me feel like I'm five years old again and nothing is wrong in the world. It feels safe like nothing can touch me when my grandma is holding me.

So, go call your grandma. Right now. In the middle of Starbucks, like me, or in your apartment, or in line at the grocery store. Just call her and remind her that you love her. I have no doubt that she'll have something awesome to say.