So you're the mom friend.
First of all, how do you even know if this is you? Well, you could take this ~very scientific~ quiz to see if you would be categorized as the "parent friend." (Note: no hate toward dads here; to be honest, I think mom friend sounds a lot catchier than dad friend.) But you're probably already well aware if you are or not.
If you got the same result I did, fret not! The mom friend doesn't have to be a drag; sure, it comes with some responsibilities that you, as a young person, probably didn't sign up for, but the positives that also accompany them most definitely outweigh the negatives. Here are a few telltale signs/qualities of a mom friend as well as some situations that you'll probably face.
1. Your friends come to you for advice.
This doesn't necessarily mean that you're actually the best at giving advice, but somehow you've managed to gain your friends' trust and confidence in you to offer words of wisdom (go you!). Pro-tip: when you feel at a loss for words, ask them open-ended questions to allow them to elaborate; maybe after that, you'll be able to provide something coherent. Repeat as necessary.
2. You're always a shoulder to cry on.
People often get emotional when talking about personal topics or seeking advice, so your shoulder must always be readily available for anything from a tear or two to gross sobbing, accompanied by snot and all. I would advise you not to wear an expensive top in times like this.
3. You're expected to take care of your friends after a long night out (and you always will).
On some nights, it's expected that a friend or two might get a little carried away. In these situations, it's up to you to remain calm and make sure that friend doesn't do anything s/he may severely regret the next day. Offer to take them to Subway if they're hungry. Hold their hand while you walk across ice. Kindly force them to drink water.
don't let this be them
4. You worry about them even when they ask you not to.
Is their schedule too overwhelming? Are they sleeping enough? When was the last time they had a nutritious meal? Have they called their actual parents recently? If you've had one or more of these thoughts, then you are definitely a) a mom friend and b) getting really annoying, really quickly. Trust me, I'm this person.
5. You usually end up taking charge when planning group events.
Often called bossy or controlling, you prefer the phrases "natural leader" or "better at organizing sh*t than others." You take on the stress of telling people what to do, creating the schedule if needed, and making sure everyone is where s/he is supposed to be because without you, how would there be any order?
6. You remember the smallest details, just because you care.
Maybe your best friend only likes smoothies if they're wildberry banana or she doesn't like egg yolks. Whatever idiosyncrasies they have, your friends are constantly both bewildered and touched that you are able to recall such miniscule things about them because you actually paid attention that one time they mentioned it in passing two years ago. Weird, but kind of cool, too.
The mom friend isn't just a label, it's a lifestyle. If this is you, you know that, even though your peers mockingly refer to you as "mom" more often than you might like, you can't imagine ever filling a different role--nor would you want to.
