We as humans love to classify things. From coffee to events, even to other humans. Giving such things an identity is something we could all find ourselves doing on a regular basis, if we only thought about it. My friends and I are no different in this. We often will sit around and classify movies, food, characters, if this person would be in Hufflepuff (Go Hufflepuffs!) or Slytherin. We do it all the time, because it is fun!!
The thing we classify the most however? Each other. "What would you be if you were..." "If you were more quiet you would so be..." are questions that need to be asked. And I have, without a doubt, been classified as "Grandma" more than anything else.
Now you may ask, "What the friggity frack do they mean by Grandma?" The answer to this is simple my dear friends: I have no freaking clue.
So I asked my friends to compile a list for me of what it takes to be a friend group "Grandma."
1. Be Prepared!
K- "Having a first aid kit, toiletries and spare clothes in your purse at all times."
I do this all the time. I always have a first aid kit in my car, and a spare over night type bag. I work at a job where I wipe poop on a daily basis (please see my "Lessons from a DSP article") so I never know when I will get a poopy handprint on myself. And I mean, if someone got hurt, who would be prepared with an ice pack, gauze, Aspirin and band aids? This girl.
2. Mom Arm
E- "Mom. Arm. The most ultimate grandma thing you could do."
It's not my fault I want people to be safe and I don't trust cars. And they wouldn't know what to do if I didn't mom arm.
3. Clothing choices
K- "Love of all things floral." and C- "An abnormal love of cardigans. Like really, really love cardigans."
Okay, number 1. Floral is great. It's super festive, happy, and you can wear it to fancy and not-fancy things. Number 2. Cardigans are life. Period.
4. Having Snacks
C- "You always have snacks in your purse. Like crackers, or biscuits."
I like making sure I have food in case people need it okay? When people have low blood sugar or it's been a while since they ate, they come to me. And it's okay.
5. Things You Say
"What a nice young man." "Are you gonna pay your bills first?" "Do you really need to spend your money on that?" "I just want you to be safe okay?" "It's hand painted, and for charity!" "Hey sweetums...honey bunch...dear heart... sweetling..."
6. Hand-Made Gifts
E- "All the hand-made gifts you have given us"
I love, love making gifts for people! They are so much more personal and they cost less money. #cheap
7. Personality
KL- "I get more love from my Sammy grandma than my actual grandma."
This makes me smile. :-) In asking my friends for this list, they kept on going back to "Well, you just are one." Which is extremely unhelpful. But it got me thinking, maybe it is just a personality type that is driven to act like this? You might be more of a nurturing type. Some people just have that personality.
You might look at this list and think "That is so me how embarrassing!" but I am here to say don't be! Embrace this title that you have been given! Everyone knows how awesome and loved grandmas are. Out of all the names I could be given, I am more than okay with Grandma. If I could be just 10 percent as wonderful as my Grandmother's were, I'll be happy.
So to all the friend group "Grandmas" I salute you! We make sure others are safe, warm, and loved. We wear our heart on our sleeves and possess old souls. And I think that's pretty special.
LLAP!