Some people are only concerned with going out and having a good time. All the time. I don't have anything against those people, but I prefer to be the person that has a REALLY good time every once in awhile. Most of the time I wind up being the designated driver or the friend that goes on food runs and stuff like that.
It's not that I hate having fun, but it brings me joy to make other people happy. I prefer to know that all of my friends are safe and catered to because I like the nurturing feeling it gives me.
The feeling of knowing that people rely on you is something that helps me to feel better as a person. In most cases, I'm the go-to chef, the expert baker, the holiday decorator, etc. I don't mean to brag about it, but I feel like in this case, it's OK to brag about it you know?
Plus it is always the funniest thing to see the reactions from friends when you do decide to let loose because they never see it coming. It's almost like having a second personality.
Even though it may feel like I'm missing out some of the time I have more memories than the majority of my friends for reasons that should be obvious, if you're catching my drift. The advice that I give out is pretty solid...even if I don't heed it all the time myself. Being designated driver isn't all that bad either because there are constant entertainment and no drunk person likes the thought of me having the authority to kick them out of the car to walk back home in the cold due to their acting like a child.
Safety supplies are always on hand and if I feel like someone is in a scenario that could in any way, shape or form could be a hazard to their health or safety I do my best to make sure they stay away from it. Often I find myself asking people questions like "are you okay?", "do you need something?", "do you want anything?", and despite how annoying it gets to some people it makes me smile to be that person. I'm only preparing myself for the nurturing role of a wife and mother that I want in the future, which luckily most people who know me fully understand and accept it because there's nothing that's going to change it.
Being prepared for anything and everything never hurt anyone either. You never know if someone will get hurt or if you'll get stuck somewhere so it doesn't hurt to have ways out of any thinkable situation that could happen. Homes are always clean, except mine actually, because I feel like it's necessary to have a presentable environment to have new people come to even if we're all sloppy ass college kids. Gotta prepare for the adult world sometime; I like to think I'm a step ahead of the game sometimes.
I won't sleep at night comfortably without knowing that all of my friends are safe in their own beds whether they're out at the bar or at the movies, anything could happen. A lot of my guy friends think it's weird, but grocery shopping is honestly a really fun activity and it makes it a little less painful for me to go with them because they spend less time wandering around and buying random things because they're hungry. Most of the time it also means that baked goods will be made that night because we're already food shopping so why not stop in the baking needs aisle?
I even have the mom trait of never being on time...I'll get it right someday I swear. My mom used to joke that I'll be late to my own funeral that's how poor my time management skills are. Organization has gotten better throughout the years, but I still struggle with agreeing with the times given to me.
Some people keep screenshots of text messages, which obviously I do too; I mean I'm a 20-year-old girl here let's be real. However, I find my camera roll full of recipes and ways to decorate on a budget.
I know it might seem kind of lame for this behavior to be a staple in my life, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Being this way reminds me that eventually with the things I want out of life like being a parent and spouse that I'm just practicing because what better way to experience parenthood than dealing with a bunch of messed up young adults who act like infants? Sorry friends, it doesn't mean I love you any less.
I've even adopted the nickname "mom," but secretly that was a goal I was going for. Sorry, not sorry.
