My mom is the most amazing person I know; there’s not a single person in the world who has a heart like hers. There is no possible way I would be the person I am today (and frankly, not be lost or freezing somewhere) without her love and support. I know I don’t tell her enough, so here are 10 reasons why my mom is my best friend.

1. She lets me send her memes in school.

I'm pretty sure that having a mom who actually responds to your punny texts and jokes during school (and who actually pretends to find them funny) is the coolest thing-- I love being able to share things that make me laugh with my mom.

2. She always knows when I need some comfort food.

I’m a pescatarian by choice. But when I have an awful day sometimes the only thing that can cure it is a big bowl of orange chicken or some ice cream. I’m blessed with a mom who comes with me to eat both.

3. She drives me EVERYWHERE.

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I'm a busy girl. I run three varsity sports and am a member of multiple clubs and honor societies. There are a lot of places I need to be, and somehow my mom always finds time and the willingness to get me there. She never complains and she even lets me blast my showtunes on the way there.

4. She lets me vent.

God only knows that I vent an incredible amount. My mother has the patience of a saint and always lets me say everything I’m feeling. Whether I’m complaining about the girl who made fun of the way I looked that day or the test that I just bombed, she’s there to listen and let me cry.

5. She gives the best advice.

This one goes along with number four. Somehow, my mom always knows exactly what to say, not just to make me feel better but to help me actually solve my problems. I’m pretty sure she has some sort of super power that doesn’t allow her to be wrong about anything. Ever.

6. She's always supportive of me trying new things.

My mom is the one who encourages me to apply for new and exciting programs and opportunities. She gently pushes me to take risks and put myself out there for things that I wouldn’t ordinarily consider. She even supported my major transition to become a pescatarian this summer, which was definitely a new challenge that I never could’ve handled all by myself.

7. She tells it like it is.

Sometimes, someone needs to draw the line and just tell you you’re being crazy. My mom knows exactly how to balance honesty with kindness so that she can help me see reason, even when the world seems like it’s ending.

8. She is always kind.

I have never ever heard or seen my mom be anything other than completely kind and selfless. She has a heart of gold and she even takes care of total strangers. She does so much good for the people around her and is always seeking ways to serve others.

9. She's there for me whenever I need her.

There hasn’t been a single time in my life where I needed my mom and she wasn’t there. I don’t know what I would do without her constant support and love.

10. She loves me unconditionally.

I’ve never met someone like my mom. She is selfless, kind, patient, and constant, even when I’m being horrible and bratty. No matter what I do, she always hugs me and tells me it’s okay, and that kind of love amazes me.