If you've read any of my articles, you have most likely seen my bio that states "my friends call me mamaw." This is true! I'm known as the "mamaw" (grandma) of my friend circle. To many people this would seem like a bad thing, but to me I think it is great. I'm the 80-year-old woman trapped in an 18-year-old body. My actions and mindset set me up to be the grandma of the group, and I love it.
Everyone knows who the mom of the group is, but you may be wondering what makes someone the grandma in life and in a friend group, let me explain. Being in bed by 10 p.m. is almost always a necessity for me. Sleep is very important and I will often choose sleep over going out. However, I do not enjoy sleeping in late. I have never been one to stay out very late or go to parties. I don't drink or smoke, so I'll always be down to be DD for my friends. I am always the one to convince everyone to stay in and just hang out instead of going out. If a friend needs advice they know they can come to the wise one (grandma) to get some wonderful words of wisdom. I tend not to sugar coat the truth. I always have coupons in my purse. I always insist my friends have something to eat, even when they aren't hungry. My favorite show is Golden Girls. I can not wait to retire and sit on the front porch with my husband. The list goes on.
To many people, this may sound weird, or like I don't have any fun. To this I will say that everyone is different, and people enjoy doing different things in life. I've met many people just like me who will tell you the same thing, and I have met people who enjoy partying and staying up late. Do what makes you happy and comfortable. My friends enjoy having a grandma that takes care of them and is always there to encourage the best in them.
The way I see it is that I don't need parties, alcohol, or late nights to have fun. I can sit at home, read a book, watch "Golden Girls," and sit on Facebook like a true grandma and enjoy myself just as much. I may not have much of a social life, but I have my core friends that I nurture and love in my grandma fashion. I find joy in planning my future home that I will retire to in the mountains.
How many of you can agree that you're the grandma (or grandpa) of your friend group, or even just a grandma in personality. Everyone has that one friend that would rather stay in reading a book, and sometimes that friend may be you. Enjoy life in whatever way pleases you, and do not let anyone's title of you being a grandma affect the way you have fun. Embrace the old woman personality inside you, I promise you'll feel well rested.
