No matter who you are, or where you're from, all of us can agree that we either know the "Mom Friend" or we are the "Mom Friend." I know this from personal experience; I have been the "Mom Friend" in every single one of my friend groups since middle school. And while many people grow to resent this teasing nickname, I think it's also something to be proud of and something that many of us can relate to. So here are some facts that will help you identify and appreciate your "Mom Friend."
1. They're the most responsible person that you know.
Want to do something extremely irresponsible? They'll be there to tell you all of the reasons why it's a bad idea. Want to go out drinking for the night? They'll be the first to volunteer as your DD or to call one for you. Want to get back with that crazy ex who cheated on you? They'll be the first person to smack you on the back of the head and then watch Netflix with you to distract you from your singleness. No matter what the situation, this person always seems to know the right thing to do, and how to stay away from dangerous situations.
2. They feed you.
Did you forget your wallet back at the dorm? They'll cover your meal every once in a while. Are you up late studying and need a snack to keep you going? Get your butt to their room and they'll give you some cookies (or an apple, if they're the healthy type). They quite literally go grocery shopping for themselves and the entire friend group, and probably pick out a few items that they don't even like just because they know someone else will end up eating them.
3. Friend-group hang-out nights are always in their room.
When the entire gang gets together for a movie/study/gossip/party night, their room is the default choice. Why? Because "Mom Friend" always has food, will always make sure everyone is OK, will keep everyone in line and will usually always have time for them. And, at the end of the night when the "Mom Friend" is tired, they'll kick everyone out just like a mom puts their kids to bed.
4. Relationship woes? Get ready for some awesome advice and (potential) fist fights.
"Mom Friends" are the ones you instantly go to when you're having relationship problems. They listen to you, they let you cry and don't comment on how your makeup is running all over the place. They might even give you ice cream, and they'll blow your mind with some zen-level advice. And, if the situation is bad enough, they might even want to fight the culprit so watch out. You may have to hold them back.
5. People always ask them about you.
I faced this quite a lot in high school, actually. I would have other students come up and ask me about a friend –– if they were OK, why they were absent, if they were dating anyone, where they were at, things like that –– all the time. Don't know where someone is? Find the "Mom Friend." They probably know.
6. They drive you places, just like your mom used to do.
Doctors appointments, late-night Cookout runs, night swims at the docks, shopping for clothes –– the "Mom Friend" usually ends up in the driver's seat. Maybe it's because they are the most responsible driver, because they volunteer to do it so no one else has to or because they simply like driving, but they usually end up accompanying you places, even if they don't always want to go.
7. They need to be taken care of, sometimes.
It may not happen very often, but "Mom Friends" are a lot like actual moms –– they'll work hard to help others and love others, and they will sometimes neglect themselves. So if they spend a day alone and don't want to do anything, it may be because they are taking some personal time away from the group to rest and relax.
8. Just like other friends, they love you.
"Mom Friends" aren't any better or worse than other types of friends. The "Fun Friend" will drag everyone out of their comfort zones for parties and midnight adventures. The "Smart Friend" will encourage and help others with their work and will still probably make the best grades out of everyone you know. The "Active Friend" might be a workout junkie or an outdoorsy person, and will encourage others to get out and get moving. The "Always Single Friend" will never fail to have the best relationship advice. And all of those don't even begin to cover the types of friends you'll have. One person might encompass more than one of these roles, too. But no matter what, each of these friends play an important role in an individual's life, and they are all equally amazing.
But hey, as a "Mom Friend" and a "Smart Friend" myself, I'm definitely a little biased.
