From the minute you were born, until the age you are now, there has always been one person totally invested in your happiness: your mother. Let’s face it – she was likely present when you were born, not to mention the 9 months of carrying you and the – oh yeah – making you part. She always kept you entertained as a toddler by playing with toys decades too young for her to enjoy. She picked you up from school each day to ensure she was the first to be updated on your life. And even nowadays, she still demands to know every single detail of your life. So tell us, is there any better friend than that? All she ever wanted in life is to provide for you, protect you and get those juice packs she knows you love the next time she goes to the store. Truly, a mom’s unconditional love is unmatched. Where else can you find someone who appreciates your sense of humor and reminds you not to bite your nails all in the same ten minutes? Who would do things for you without any benefit for herself? Where can one find such a selfless, genuinely kind person? One word – home.
Here are the 21 reasons why your mom was the first friend you ever had – and will likely remain so for the rest of your life…
#1 She always comes to your defense.
Whether when you were younger and this meant fighting your elementary school principal for not understanding your form of “advanced creative expression” during art class or you were older and it meant she was the shoulder to cry on when your S.O. cheated on you, she is an immovable force when it comes to a hurting child. And no matter what age you are, hell hath no fury like a caring parent!
#2 She genuinely cares about what’s going on in your life.
Mom: “What do you want for dinner tonight?” You: “Gee Mom, I don’t think I can think about my future right now!” Mom always seemed to dream big for you.
#3 She endured Disney in all forms just to make you happy.
From the overheated and packed theme parks to frequent in-store meltdowns, chances are Mom indulged in your Disney obsession because she wanted to share in your happiness. To this day, she maintains that “Toy Story” is her favorite movie because it was the first one that you saw together. Awwww…isn’t that sweet?
#4 She is the only one who cares if you wear a sweater.
…Or carried an umbrella, or needed a tissue, or had a nightmare, or ate enough for supper. Mom seems to think about all the little stuff that has a big impact on your well-being. Without her, you would likely still be wearing 5-year-old socks and surviving off stale cereal.
#5 She always tries to “get it,” even when she doesn’t (or can’t).
You can’t fault Mom for being older and a little distant from the latest fads (despite her protests that she’s on Facebook and “knows” how to text). The fact is, her old skool attitude is what keeps you grounded when you’re trying to explain millennial practices like why the boy you’ve been hooking up with for the past month still hasn’t asked you on a date. She might not fully understand you (that is, what are you two doing instead), but she still always tries to give you the best advice (that is, YOU DON’T NEED HIM!).
#6 Hands down, she will always be the most fun person to get drunk with.
Watching your mom get wasted is the parent-child equivalent of her watching you graduate from college — you will never feel more proud. You absolutely love watching her cut loose and then listen to her as she spills all the family secrets to you.
#7 She always gives you the benefit of the doubt.
Mom: “Where did this crazy Bloomingdale’s charge come from?” You: “It must have been that early birthday present you got me.” Mom: “I am so thoughtful!” Yes Mom, you certainly are!
#8 She wants to see you succeed – and without any reward to herself.
Well, except for the bragging rights. There was a reason she always made you do your homework — so that you would become a Doctor/Lawyer/CEO and she could drive around the neighborhood in a nice new car (that you got her).
#9 She always makes you feel special no matter what.
She loves to keep you on the phone for hours just to listen to the most trivial parts of your day. She takes the time to stock up on your favorite foods when you’re only coming home for a weekend. (Yes!!!) She somehow feels honored when you bring back your laundry for her to do. And hello? She’s been telling you that you were #1 every single day since kindergarten.
#10 She often cares about your appearance more than you do.
Mom was the first person to tell you not to get that terrible tattoo. Of course, you did not listen and have since learned the hard way that Mom does, in fact, always know best (except when it comes to those ugly Christmas sweaters).
#11 She celebrates your birthday more than her own.
Yeah…so you might have been the one being born, but she’ll never forget who got you there. Your birthday doubles as the best moment in her life, so it’s natural that she’s going to celebrate it even more than her own!
#12 She’s the only person who really knows how to shop for you.
In a sense, Mom was the first celebrity in your life. It was her style that influenced your own as her closet was the first you ever raided (gender doesn’t matter, you know you tried on Mom’s heels at least once). Nowadays, she’s the only woman in your life who buys you exactly what you want — even if it’s some extra toilet paper and plastic Gladware.
#13 She was probably with you every single time you did something stupid.…and if only because Mom was your first phone call!
#14 She has seen it all!
From your most embarrassing moments (like the time she had to bring you a change of underwear to class…again) to taking care of you when you were grossly sick, you can really do anything in front of her and she doesn’t love you any less. Sometimes it just feels like Mom could rule the world because she’s been through it all!
#15. She’s always willing to split her meal with you.
And then of course you eat less because she’s suddenly full. She really always wants the best for you, even when it’s just a meal.
#16 She listens to your petty problems and then gives it to you straight – every time.
Mom seems to have immense patience for nearly everything you do, including your trivial drama. Her therapy sessions don’t come without tough love, but then again, that’s why you go to her in the first place!
#17 She won’t likely judge you for wearing your pajamas outside the house.
But she might make sure you wash them and iron them before you (heaven forbid!) crawl back into bed with the same pair on.
#18 She’s not a fair-weather friend – she wants to know the bad news, too.
Mom is like a detective — she always figures out what’s wrong no matter how many times you say “it’s nothing.” And even when you irrationally take it out on her, she still hears you out.
#19 She has stories that rival yours.
You may think you are a total badass, but Mom will be quick to remind you that she’s a way bad-asser and since you came from her…there’s very little that will surprise her. Ever run a marathon to cure cancer? Bet’cha Mom walked the Brooklyn Bridge in a hippie protest. So you rocked out a Beyoncé concert? Mom grooved on the lawns of Woodstock. You might not want to forget where you got that shining personality from (“I got it from my momma! I got it from my momma!”).
#20 She just loves to listen to you brag.
Besides your grandparents, Mom is the only other person who genuinely loves to hear about your extensive accomplishments, and never secretly hates you for it. Even if it’s something as small as, “I made my own breakfast this morning!” Mom wants to hear all about it.
#21 You inherited half of her genes.
To her, it means that she has directly influenced your awesomeness and is most responsible for making you great. To you, it means you can look forward to the day when you really start turning into her…
Just kidding, Mom. We love you!