Friends Mom ((link)) -

Growing up, we view our friends' parents as extensions of the setting—like the living room couch or the garage fridge. They exist to facilitate our plans or prevent them. But as you get into your late twenties and early thirties, you realize they were just as lost, brave, and uncertain as you are now.

I spent last Saturday afternoon at my friend Mark’s parents’ house. Mark was running late (classic Mark), so I sat on the back porch with his mom, Diane. Fifteen years ago, I would have been awkwardly scrolling through my phone. This time, we talked. friends mom

Mark finally showed up an hour late. We hugged, I grabbed a leftover brownie, and I left. Growing up, we view our friends' parents as

There is something validating about being liked by the matriarch of the group. She has seen you cry over a breakup, celebrate a promotion, and eat an entire tray of nachos. She knows you. And when she tells you she’s proud of you, it feels like a bonus parent stamp of approval. I spent last Saturday afternoon at my friend