It never hurts to be the friend everyone can count on, both emotionally and otherwise. You’ll be there whenever they need you. In fact, the "Friends" theme songs is probably very relatable. Some might even deem you older than you are. It’s a compliment, but it is also both a blessing and a curse.
1. You’re the one who says no.
More often than not, you’ve probably had to utter those dreaded two letters. It might be because you’re trying to stop your friends from going to Taco Bell at 3 a.m. on Tuesday night, or had to cut them off at the bar a few times. Your firm "no" may or may not actually accomplish anything, but at least you’ve tried.
2. You’re always a designated driver or sober sis, brother or friend.
Partying is the time to let go of your responsibilities and forget that you flunked a test again. Yet, if you’re the responsible one, you may find yourself taking care of the others who’ve decided to forget themselves for the night. You might be picking them up at the favorite bar at one in the morning and take them to McDonald’s or making sure that they’re still able to walk back home. You’re the one provides the trashcan by their beds and the Advil in the morning.
3. You’re the mom or dad of the group.
Though it means very little about your age, you’ve found yourself to be the caretaker. You ensure your roommate gets to their class on time or that your friends remember their meetings that night. You want to ensure everyone is happy and taken care of, and maybe you can’t help it.
4. Parents love you.
Your friends' parents probably love you. You’re the one keeping their children out of trouble and for that they’re grateful. It never hurts to be on a parent’s good side, especially if you come to visit. Home cooked meals and place to stay whenever never hurt anybody.
5. You put others before yourself.
It’s easy to want your friends to have fun, but sometimes you forget to have fun yourself. It can be hard to get lost in the fun of a midnight drive to nowhere when you remember you have a 9 a.m. class. While you’re all out for a night of distressing, you find yourself making sure everyone is safe and accounted for. This is when you find that you’ve forgotten to have fun as well. Although it’s always better to be safe than sorry, making mistakes and causing a little havoc is good for the college student soul, but you rarely live by this.
6. You’ll never stop.
Being the mature friend seems more likely genetic that acquired. And while it has its ups and downs, there’s a pleasure in being the one responsible for everyone else. Not to mention, when you finally allow yourself to let loose, your friends are more than willing to take care of you. Plus, it’s nice to know all the work you put into making sure your friends are okay is worth it when you know they would do the same for you.
