My mom and I like to joke that we’re the real-life Gilmore Girls. We talk all the time, share the same taste in books and TV shows, and even work-out together some mornings. I’ve always loved that quirky, fast-talking show for making it cool to actually get along with your mom. Even though we’re older and supposedly wiser, and we’ve moved into our own apartments and are now independent, it doesn’t mean that we say goodbye to arguably the most important woman in our lives. There are tons of reasons you still need your mom.
- You want to know how to cook (anything). I wanted to make green beans the other night and realized that I’ve never made them before. I probably could have texted a friend (but maybe she wouldn’t know, either). But instead I called my mom and she talked me through the process. Your mom will always be there to answer your culinary questions because she’s probably super thrilled that you’re learning to cook. Okay, you can always Google, but there’s just something cozy and old-fashioned about learning to cook from your mom.
- She’s the best source of advice. It’s a rule: moms give the best advice. While she may be biased when it comes to your love life because she wants you to have kids, she’s still an amazing resource because she’s been through it and survived. And it will make you both happy that while you may no longer need help bandaging up bruised knees from a playground fall or buying a friend a birthday gift, you’re still as close as ever.
- Your girlfriends aren’t the only ones who love girls nights. Sometimes the best date is the woman who raised you. See a cheesy movie and grab wine and nachos after, watch a Real Housewives marathon with some take-out – your mom is just as good company as your BFF is.
- You can literally ask her anything. Being a girl means some gross and borderline embarrassing health-related stuff happens from time to time. Googling it doesn’t help because you’re just going to freak yourself out. Ask your mom for help and/or advice and she will totally put your mind at ease while giving you the best solution. Of course, you may want to leave the sex-related questions for your gyno.
- She has your best interests in mind. Sure, your friends love you, too, and probably mean well when they admit to not being so into your new BF. Your mom’s opinion is different because she’s genuinely invested in your life and success. Unfortunately, our friends can get jealous if they’re single and you’re not, and vice versa. But you know your mom isn’t jealous. And if she thinks something is off with the new guy in your life, she’s usually right.
- She’s like an older, wiser friend. I love talking to my mom about current events or entertainment news because she often has a different perspective on what’s going on. We even have pop culture chats that are almost identical to the ones I would have with my friends. I can even forget she’s my mom (though of course I wouldn’t want to, because she’s pretty awesome).
- Your successes are hers, too. When something amazing happens in your life, who do you want to tell immediately? Definitely your mom because you know she will be just as happy as you are, if not more. And then you can go ahead with that social media post/brag (we all do it – let’s just be real here).
- She remembers everything. For better or worse, of course. But if you want to know what you were like as a kid, or want to fill in the blanks of something you only partly remember, your mom can tell you. She’s like a time capsule when it comes to your life.
- A visit home fixes it all. A bad job interview, a week that’s just not going your way – it can all disappear when sitting at the kitchen table of your childhood home. Plus you get a meal cooked by your mom. What’s better than that? Your usual coping mechanisms – reality TV, wine with your girlfriends, a juicy mystery novel – just aren’t the same.
- You can talk about anything you’re obsessed with and she will happily listen. Because she’s your mom. My friends may get tired of my Real Housewives of New York City rants or belief that TV was just better in the 90s. But my mom always indulges me. Aren’t moms the best?
