I have always been close with my parents and as I've gotten older, we've grown closer and closer. They are always sending me texts, "liking" or commenting on my Facebook posts and calling me weekly to fill me in on their lives. The more I think about it, my mom and dad are truly my "OG squad," and why shouldn't they be? They know me better than any friend could! In a world full of fake-friends, lost friendships and in some cases, "frenemies," your parents have always, and will always be there. So in case you're creating a roster of BFF's, here are a few reasons why Mom and Dad should be starting Varsity!
1. They share your interests.
Whether you're hitting your favorite lunch spot with Dad, or getting your nails done with Mom, your parents always know how to make your day! I luck out in this department because the three of us all share a love for Chipotle and Starbucks. What better way to enjoy your favorite things than with your family?
2. They're always concerned about you.
If they haven't heard from you in a while, they're likely to hit you with an "are you alive?" text message, or a "How are your classes going?" While it's nice to have someone check up on you, it's even better to have someone to vent to! I always call my parents when I'm stressed about school or work and they have to listen, it's like in the parent handbook or something!
3. They listen to the same music as you.
This one is key! My house is a constant battle over who gets to pick the Pandora station. My dad and I love a good round of "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars, while my mom is into anything country. Either way, my favorite music genres are covered and the kitchen becomes an instant dance floor.
4. They model a great relationship.
This doesn't necessarily have to mean between the two of them. I completely understand that not everyone’s parents are #RelationshipGoals like mine are. However, children learn new behaviors through modeling, (ask any psychologist and they’ll tell you so!) Meaning that we, as children, learned the ability to forge new relationships through our parents’ interactions with others. In this sense, I have to brag; both of my parents flourish in this area. They both have friendships that have lasted over 45 years and are still going strong! Most importantly, they have shown my brothers and me a strong, respectful and loving relationship that any of us would be lucky to replicate. So next time you’re having friend drama, boyfriend drama or any kind of people-drama in general, ask mom or dad; they’re pro’s!
5. They're fashionable.
Between my dad’s love for Justin Timberlake apparel and my mom’s weekly trips to Marshall's, I have definitely inherited their love for clothes. I’m constantly getting caught stealing my mom’s sweaters or my dad’s flannels and taking them back to college with me. But hey, that’s what friends do, right?
6. They love you unconditionally!
Most importantly, through all the crying, drama, clothes-stealing and mistakes I’ve made, my parents are always there. Since going away to college, this concept has truly resonated with me. A couple boyfriends, a few roommates and some girl-drama later, my parents have hung in there and supported me when I needed them most. At 21 years old, I've finally figured out my mom is almost always right and a silly text from my dad is all I need to get through the week.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a “friend” as “A person who you like, and enjoy being with.” In this respect, I can’t think of two other people I’d choose to spend my time with. Throughout your life, your parents cheer you on as you change and grow, and if that doesn't make them BFF material, I don’t know what does!
