I have been told for my entire life that my mother cannot be my best friend. People would tell me “She has to be the disciplinarian, not your friend. She can’t be your buddy one minute, and discipline you the next.” This is why they were wrong.

I have always had a rough go at having friends, I have had people leave me, use me, and disrespect me. My mother has been there for me through everything, and not only has the motherly “Everything will be OK,” way that often comes with motherly comfort but in the way that you are comforted by your closest friend who will not only protect you but be honest with you as well. She was there to tell me when I was right when I was wrong, and when I was being completely ridiculous.

My mother was always there for me and she has always been the first person I wanted to talk to whenever anything happened, good or bad. I have always told her when things happen, we build a strong and healthy relationship built on trust. I knew that when I had done something stupid I could be honest with her. That doesn’t mean that I wasn’t punished, but I knew that nothing good would come from lying to her.

It is perfectly OK to have this kind of relationship with your mother. Some may consider it unhealthy but I know that to be the opposite. When a relationship like that one is formed, it is normal to have mutual trust and respect. Your mother knows she can trust you, to be honest and you are more likely to have more freedom. You can also know that your mother will consider multiple sides of the story before making a final call. She will be kind and compassionate as long as you deserve to be treated that way.

I can proudly say that my mother is my best friend, she is always there for me and she is the first person I talk to. If you share this kind of relationship with your mother, it is OK. It is not unhealthy, it is not unnatural, and it is not clingy. A mother’s love is beyond compare, and nothing compares to having your mother as your best friend.