I was catching up with my longtime friend, Sarah, the other day, and I confessed that sometimes I feel a bit too sarcastic, like I might be too much to handle. Her response reminded me why we’ve been best friends for over 26 years: “That’s the girl I went to college with, that’s the girl I adore, and that’s who you are. So please, don’t change!” She gets me, loves me just as I am, and knows that at 41, I’m not going to morph into someone different—and she wouldn’t want that either.
Chances are, you’re not going to change either. And if you have good friends, you shouldn’t feel the need to. Here are the types of friends who will embrace you for exactly who you are:
Moms need friends who embrace their true selves.
It’s exhausting trying to be perfect or worry about discomforting someone else. What we truly need are friends who allow our messy, authentic selves to emerge without fear of judgment.
Moms need friends who can dream big (but also keep it low key).
We love to talk about all the glamorous nights out we’ll have, but let’s be real: sometimes we just want to chill in our pajamas with junk food. High heels and cocktails can wait for another time!
Moms need friends who are okay with the casual look.
Sometimes, we need each other at odd hours—early morning or late evening (okay, maybe just 9 p.m.). That means we’ll see each other in comfy tees and no bras, and that’s perfectly fine.
Moms need friends who bring laughter.
Life can be a grind—parenting, marriage, work—it’s tough! We all need that friend who can make us laugh, even if it’s unintentional. If you can make me laugh until I cry, you’re stuck with me for life!
Moms need friends who express their feelings.
If I’ve upset you in any way, I want you to tell me directly—no need to involve Nancy from down the street. Nancy complicates things; we don’t have time for that nonsense.
Moms need friends who lift them up.
Whether it’s about bad habits or embarking on something new and intimidating, your friends should be there to encourage you. They’ll say, “Let’s get another coffee and chat,” urge you to indulge in those large fries, and remind you that you’re capable of anything—even if you’re doubting it yourself.
Moms need friends who have their backs.
If someone speaks poorly of one of my friends, I’ll be the first to stand up for them. No one messes with my crew!
Moms need friends who understand that kids can be little monsters.
All kids have their moments, and if your kids are perfect angels, then we might not gel well.
Moms need friends who behave at kids’ sports events.
If you’re being a jerk on the sidelines, chances are you’re a jerk in life. I prefer my friends to keep it real.
Moms need friends who will keep it honest.
If my jeans make my backside look less than flattering, I want you to tell me. Honesty is key—whether it’s about my appearance or if I’ve got lunch stuck in my teeth.
Moms need friends who are okay with modern communication.
You get that I might only text you rather than call, and if I do need to call, you won’t judge me for needing a bathroom break mid-conversation—because let’s face it, kids change everything.
Moms need friends who stick around during tough times.
When life gets hard—whether it’s anxiety, depression, or chaos—your true friends will stand by you through it all.
Moms need friends who share food.
Sometimes, I might want to nibble on your nachos even if I ordered a salad. And if you don’t mind me swiping a fingerful of frosting, we’re golden! But I promise, I won’t lick the salt off your margarita glass.
In conclusion, moms need friends who are real, supportive, and don’t shy away from the messy parts of life. Friends who stand by you, bring you a Diet Coke just because, and will tell Nancy from down the street to zip it if she crosses the line. Most importantly, moms need friends who love them just as they are.
If you enjoyed this article, check out more about home insemination and the journey of motherhood on our other blog posts.