My Friends

I read an article from Parenting Magazine, 6 Friends Every Mom Needs and it amazes me that I have these friends, and I maintain these friendships. They are so important to me for so many different reasons.



The Mom in the Same Boat

Why you need her: "She gets it." I have a friend whom I have known since highschool and she delivered her little boy two weeks after I delivered my son. We were preggos together and have grown as Mom's together. We dont agree on everything (by NO means!) But I love to bounce ideas and thoughts off her.

The No-Kids Pal

Why you need her: "For adult conversation" I have two of these. One a friend from college, another a friend since highschool. Both mean the world to me. I can talk all things Mommy, Woman, Work, and Sex with them. They may not get it...but they love me regardless. And they always have feedback :)


The Been-There, Done-That Mom

Why you need her: "She gets you through your "I don't know what I'm supposed to do next" moments." This is my mom...I have a few casual friends I can ask questions of, but my Mom is my greatest resource.


The I'll-Do-Anything-For-You Buddy

Why you need her: These are my same Non Mom Buds. All it would take would be a phone call and help would arrive. Just like I did that one time, at 2am, when she called from a bar 30 min away, and I went from my nice warm bed to go "rescue" her :) Its what you do for your girlfriends. You go, no questions asked, other than "Are you OK?" And "What can I do to help?" No matter what time that phone rings. Because when I am the one making that call, I want the same consideration.


The Slightly Glam Girlfriend

Why you need her: "For inspiration (it is possible to be a fashionable mom), advice (how does she get out the door looking so great?), and a wardrobe you can borrow." My Mom in the same boat also fills this role. She motivates me to take my butt to the gym, and she critiques my fashion choices. But alas, I dont bother with makeup most days, because I am comfortable with my nekkid face. So while she cringes, I run around in just my moisturizer :)

The Brutally Honest Pal

Why you need her: You need her to tell you the truth, when no one else wants to. And she WILL. And it might sting, but you cant be mad at her for her honesty. She will tell me things I know, but want to avoid, she will remind me of past mistakes if need be. She has a memory like an elephant,and she has known me since the 9th grade, so there is no limit to her powers....But you know what? She expects the same from me. A lie would hurt her more than the truth ever would. And we have taken a "TIME OUT" because of this. I think it made us stronger, and helped us grow up a bit, to take different paths for a little while.

Maintaining friendships is hard work, just like any valuable relationship. It takes time and energy. But the rewards are numerous. We gals get together about every 4-6 wks and take a moment to just be US. We are not mom or sister or wife. We leave our roles at the door and we are just girlfriends. And we are loud and silly and we have the best time. And that time away from my many many roles, rejuvinates me, and I think it helps make me better as a whole. You have to water your whole garden to have a bountiful season...just like you have to nurture every part of your life at one time or another to be a better person.

Take a moment and evaluate your friendships, do you see your friends playing any of these roles? Impressive isnt it. Go read the article, and enjoy!