Ever since I can remember, I was always the overprotective one of my friend group. I made sure everyone was having a good time and that everyone was being accepted and heard. Things haven't changed much, as I still am constantly making sure that my friends are all a-okay and on the same page with each other. It's not a bad thing, it's just a means of showing that I care. I don't even think it has anything to do with the fact that I'm a people pleaser, either. I really care a lot about those around me and feel the need to show it at all times. It wasn't until college that I really discovered what I truly was. I remember telling people that I felt like the motherly figure over my friends. Then, I met my friends, and everything just sort of fell in to place. It wasn't weird to be overly caring and overly protective of your friends, it was kind of a way of life.
In my friend group, there are several of us "moms." What's the definition of a friend mom, you may be wondering? A friend mom is basically someone who is always on top of what you and your friends are doing at any given time. They also always have anything you may need on hand. Advil? Check. Pencil? You got it. Literally anything that you would forget at home for the 50th time in a row, a friend mom would have. In theatrical terms, a friend mom would be the stage manager of the group, always having everything right there for you. At least that's how I understand friend moms. Friend moms are also overly caring and make it a point to constantly check up on you to make sure you're eating and bathing and doing all the things that we may neglect to do when life gets a little too overwhelming. Also, a friend mom is considered most responsible when going out on group events. They're typically the ones that keep everyone in line if things get too crazy when you're out. At house parties, friend moms are the ones that make sure you're not making poor life decisions like texting people you haven't talked to in 3 years. They also make sure you're well hydrated and often check in on you periodically through the night. If anything, a friend mom is someone who you can rely on at all times, someone who you can pour your heart and soul in to and know that that information is staying between the two of you. It's comforting to know that you have someone like that by your side at all times. Sure, your mom is your best friend, but who do you call on when your mom can't be there at the drop of a hat? Friend moms, that's who.
