As I went from girl to woman, my mother too, experienced a parental paradigm shift. She went from being a protective, nurturing, ever-scolding mother, to a…well, protective, nurturing, scolding best friend. From feeding me milk to pouring me wine, it’s been a pretty bizarre journey. Beautiful, though.
Though a mother-daughter relationship can be confusing at times, it is an unbreakable bond with empathy, loyalty, caring and unconditional love. While my mother was the last person I’d go to for boyfriend advice, today, she’s the first. As most teens, I too wasn’t big on the idea that my parent could be the person I confided in. I remember our fight every now and then and all the anger I felt when she stopped me from doing something I wanted to. There were moments in which I was so enraged, I could barely think straight. And of course, the same goes for her, I’m sure. This hyperactive, sensitive equation continued, until one day, it was finally time for me to move to another city to get a college degree. I smelled freedom and I relished the thought of it.
Little did I know that only a month into this supposed “liberating life” of University, I’d crash and burn, emotionally. I was surprised by what I was feeling – an emptiness – a void. When I entered the “real world,” I realised how the same person I longed to escape from, was shielding me from so much. It took me a while, but all those years of constant nagging and advice I didn’t think I needed, actually started making sense. I understood why she’d question me about homework, why she’d force me to carry an umbrella in my bag, why she’d never let me hangout with boys too late into the night, and why she didn’t let me take that Goa trip with my friends. College opened my eyes to a reality that was harsh. When I left my nest… my comfort zone, I imagined that I was flying on to bigger and better things. But on the way, I realized how the world was not even half as kind or forgiving as my mother was. I realised, that there are not many people out there, who are willing to take you in – flaws and all. That non-judgemental, unconditional love can only be found in the heart of a mother.
Today, my mother and I are thicker than thieves. She is, without a doubt, my closest friend and my partner in crime. I look back and think about all the time I wasted, assuming that we’re on different teams. Through failed romantic relationships, taxing friendships and unreasonable bosses, I’ve come to realize that most people aren’t reliable in this world. Well, some are… but never as much as your mother.
Here are 10 things that will always help you remember why she’s #1…
1. She’ll defend you even when you’re not around.
2. She knows how to spot a fake friend faster than you.
3. She will ALWAYS put your interests ahead of her own.
4. She won’t tell any of your other friends your secrets.
5. She has rich experience that you can learn from.
6. She knows your heart better than anyone.
7. You can always rely on her for slightly hurtful but honest feedback.
8. She is sure to pick up your call – whenever, wherever.
9. She knows men and how to handle them.
10. You can count on her for a solution to just about anything!
