Like most of us, we were never the "mom" of our group of friends initially; it is just one of those things that you, overtime, fall into. For example, and let us rewind... In high school, I was your typical energizer bunny. From sun up to sun down, I was on the constant move, being heavily involved in varsity sports, leadership programs, and other clubs like Yearbook or community service groups. To say the least, I was the ultimate rock star both in and outside of the classroom. But upon graduating, I left behind a high Grade Point Average, good friends, and the title of "Most Spirited". Yes, in a nutshell, I was carefree and always living in the moment.
I guess that is how it all starts...
Although I am still really happy with my life today, (great, if not better friends, grades that make dad proud, and sorority sisters that I would die for) I am not the reckless little girl I was in high school. And while I did not magically wake up this way one morning, I believe college is the ultimate culprit, because at the age of 18 you are forced to plan the rest of your life out in the matter of four years, and I think I took that way too seriously and for that reason I am the "mom". More responsible, irritable without my morning coffee, and hands down, more future conscious... And towards my friends, I am more realistic than most, gentle, caring, open and with the best.
At first, before accepting it, I was in complete denial. How at 21 could I be so boring, so on track, so old? But then, it hit me. I knew this woman. I recognized the acceptance, the warmth, the dedication to education, the loyalty to both herself and others; this person was finally familiar. I was becoming my mother but I wasn't just her, I was her for my ENTIRE group of friends and sisters.
Not always am I "mom," but most times I am, and I am a loving girl with a no-bullshit attitude.
But of course, with every label there are countless Pros and Cons. And many people take them differently. While I may be accepting of the term, there are plenty of other women out there that take offense.
PRO: Your friends come to you for advice.
Drunk or sober, you are their go-to person, sometimes even ahead of their BFFL. But maybe, with time, you have been such a strong person in their life that you are their Best Friend For Life. But regardless of the endless bonds and ties you have created with people, you are respected because everything ever said with you is confidential and always free of judgement.
CON: You are asked to be Designated Driver (DD) more times than being asked to actually go out to parties,
Because what mom goes out, goes to parties or even has friends that are not her family? This is the sad reality, so stop. We, too, can be the life of the party. Our dance moves may not be on point but we love our drunken selfies as much as the next girl.
PRO: You are deemed as responsible, charismatic, and trusting.
If you are going to label me as charismatic, and trusting, then sign me up for mom duty! (Minus the mini van and ankle-biters). You can never go wrong with being trusting, because your friends will come to you much like children do for advice. They trust that you will keep everything you two say, between the two of you, whether it be boy drama, school or their real parents.
CON: You are deemed as responsible.
Because you are responsible, you are also then labeled as old, and therefore "not hip", or cool. When it comes to friends, you can bet you are the last to know the latest drama, or hot gossip. Being deemed as the responsible one limits your interactions with the people around you.
PRO: Being called "mom" is a genuine compliment because you are comparing me to my greatest role model.
Never again will I deny myself growth, change, or the success I have seen at such a young age. I have many more years to come to even compare myself to her... Hot moms will forever rock because they are a classic accessory to life.
