Growing up with a single mom, I often found myself in the middle of an argument about something irrelevant. My mom and I are very similar and butt heads often, and when I was 18, I moved in with my grandparents. For a while, my relationship with my mom suffered because of that, but now she's one of my best friends; here's why:
1. She isn't afraid to be honest
When I'm not sure if I look good in what I'm wearing or if I should invest my money in something, I ask my mom. She's seen a lot and knows much more about the world than I do, and she'll tell me the blatant truth about anything I'm dealing with.
2. She's (usually) more level-headed than I am
When I find myself in the middle of a panic attack, when I'm being irrational or unreasonable, she always snaps me back into reality. She reminds me that it's okay to have a moment of panic, but it should only last a moment. When I'm in the heat of a moment and want to make a rash decision, she reminds me to reconsider.
3. She answers my frantic phone calls at any hour, no matter the situation
If my car won't start or I can't remember when my insurance payment is due, I call. When I don't know what to do in regard to life decisions, I call. She's the only one who will always answer and offer help.
4. No one will fight harder for you
I went to a baseball game once and a coach threw me a baseball after I ran down the steps to catch it. I dropped it because I'm less athletically inclined than most, and it rolled off my foot and landed next to an older lady. The lady picked the ball up and pocketed it as I stood dumbfounded as the crowd booed her. At the end of the game, my mom fearlessly approached her and told her where she could shove that ball. If someone messes with me, I've got all the back up I need in her.
5. I've taken after all of her good (and sometimes less good) qualities
My sense of humor, sense of urgency, work ethic, intelligence and loving heart were passed on to me by my mother, as were her less stellar qualities, like her quick temper and procrastination, but they've made me who I am today.