My entire life, my friend circle evolved. I was friends with a lot of different people over the years. That being said, it seemed like no matter what sort of friend group I was surrounding myself with, I was the "mom" of the group.
It seemed like I was always the "voice of reason." I was the one all of my friends came to when they failed a test and didn't know what to do, or when their boyfriends did something dumb and they didn't know how to feel.
I was the "Monica" of any sort of friend group I was in. I was (and am) the Type-A, a little high strung, but down to earth friend that always had something to say.
So why am I telling you this? Over the years, I have continually found that being the "Mom" is a blessing. It is such an honor to know that your friends come to YOU for advice and support. It seriously is the best privilege in the world.
But the thing with being the "Mom" and the trusted, ride or die friend, is no one ever asks if you are okay.
No one ever offers the strong one help.
No one ever asks the strong one if they need advice.
No one ever asks the strong one if they are overwhelmed.
No one ever thinks the strong one struggles.
We do. We have our moments. We have our times. Sometimes, we just need to be check in on.
If you haven't done this, it's not that you are a bad friend. By no means is that what I am trying to say.
Those who don't notice their strong friend struggling aren't doing anything wrong. The strong ones hide it well. Almost too well.
That's one of the biggest issues today. Often times those who seem to have it the most together are really struggling. It's easy to cover up struggles. It's easy to act like you are okay. It's easy to pretend things are alright. But sometimes they aren't.
Being the "Mom" is amazing. I wouldn't trade it in the world. But sometimes, it's hard. You would think those who give advice and support would do it for themselves. But it's not that easy.
Check up on your strong friend. It's important.
