Photos by Terra Atwood
Every group always has that one friend who is always there for any situation that the group faces. She’s the shoulder to cry on, the ultimate advice giver, and whether it’s 2 p.m. or midnight, she’s ready and on her way with two gallons of cookie dough. You know who I’m talking about — the ultimate friend — the one known as “The Mom Friend.”
For years, this friend has gone unnoticed, but suddenly this lifestyle became a rising trend. Out of nowhere, this notion of being the “mom friend” became popular. Having been one my whole life, I can easily say I agree that being the “mom friend” is the best and worst thing that can happen to you. Although cliche, the phrase, “With great power comes great responsibility” has never applied to a lifestyle more than that of being the “mom friend.”
You may be thinking, how do I embrace the “mom” life for my friend group? What popular sites and memes don’t tell you about being a “mom friend” is that becoming one is no easy feat. It’s truly a lifestyle that has evolved into what it is today.
Fashion & Beauty
The major perk of being the “mom friend” is that no matter how casual your style may look, you still rock it. You’re feeling overalls and loafers today? Go ahead and lounge it up, because as the “mom friend” you can basically always get away with looking like you’re about to pick up your kids from a soccer game. If you love hair clips and messy buns, you’re definitely on the route of being as trendy as the “mom friend.”
What used to make you look like a librarian or grandma is suddenly cute and acceptable because of your friend status. If you’re a thrift store junkie and love to find amazing bargains, then you’re also most likely the “mom friend.” Trends that seem outlandish and a little out there are things you can pull off. Though nobody seems to have a solid answer as to how “mom friends” do it, it’s very apparent that “mom friends” get certain passes when it comes to fashion.
Traits & Signs
It’s not easy being the “mom friend,” but once you’ve become one, all the things that once seemed burdensome don’t matter anymore. When you’re the “mom friend,” staying up until 4 a.m. to make sure everyone’s OK suddenly doesn’t seem so terrible. Knowing that your friends are all having an amazing time is all you could want.
Even when you have a billion things going on, talking your friends out of mistakes and breakdowns is literally a stress reliever for yourself. You love knowing you could practically open up your own practice based on how many times you’ve been a therapist for your friends. You love being there to take photos & videos at formals like no one else can, and yelling to your friends to “Be safe!” as if they’re your own children.
Although you’re putting yourself aside for others, there is nothing better than being this friend. Somehow, being at the expense of others is gratifying in a way no other friends can understand. We embrace the life and style that comes along with it because it’s in our nature as “mom friends.” Sometimes you can choose the “mom friend” life but for the rest of us, the “mom friend” life chooses you.
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