In every friend group, there is a “Mom.” Not an actual mother, but a girl who ultimately ends up taking care of everyone else. Being a mom comes with no responsibility what so ever because, let’s face it, you aren’t actually an authority figure in any way shape or sort, but you always somehow end up being one when everyone needs you to be. You read the GPS to the person who’s driving, you yell over the driver when they don’t want to talk to the person at the drive through, you are a shoulder to cry on, and a really unqualified doctor, teacher and therapist.

“Momming” comes in all different levels depending on the day, the mom and the friends. Some examples are as low key as “guys maybe we shouldn’t be driving 60 on a 25 road,” and others hit the wired extremes of “You should be okay to use lotion with that ointment as long as its unscented.” When you’re Mom you know way too much about everyone, all the stories, secrets, and problems. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s nice to know that you can help or at least try to but when it comes down to it you’re just another kid.

And that’s where it gets complicated. Sometimes there’s just nothing you can do or no advice you can give to help out and it kills you! Because being mom is all about wanting to be able to help out the people you love. But its fine, your friends understand that to and because this is where real moms come in and you can take a break. Yes, even friend Moms need a break because even though you love them, they make you crazy. “What was the homework? Can you help me open my Spaghetti-O’s? Can you believe he did that? How do I start the dryer? Can you rub my back? Do you have lotion I can borrow? Can I have one of your mountain dews? Will you help me clean my room?” the list goes on and on. Breaks are great because it gives you a moment to remember that you are friend first, mom second. That is until someone calls you mom and you unconsciously respond “what sweetie?” and you want to die, because even though you know you’re Mom, you hate being called it. Like really, no one outside the friend group will understand and if the cute boy you like hears a group of people calling you Mom you might as well give up that dream instantly. But then again that’s just one of the many conundrums of being the friend group Mother.