Trials of The Responsible Friend
Every friendship group has one. Spencer in Pretty Little Liars, Caroline in The Vampire Diaries, Charlotte in Sex and the City, Monica in Friends.
I'm always described as the mature one, the 'mum' of the group, and that didn't change when I came to uni. I seem to have this incapability of not giving off a mum-like aura. I LOVE giving advice, I LOVE a bargain, I LOVE organisation, but what I don't love is the pressure I put on myself. Responsibility comes with being a perfectionist and setting my goals high, meaning I'm constantly work-driven (capricorn probs). If there wasn't an issue with something, I guarantee you I will think of one myself. Constantly stressing about things that don't need to be stressed about; what if's are rapidly becoming the focal point and bane, of my life.
I'm playing a game of Jenga. How many responsibilities can I pile up before it topples? Accepting every opportunity that presents itself to me can be a good thing, but if there's too many when do you have time for yourself? Each wooden block consists of university work, building my career, social life, fitness, the list goes on. As much as the powers from above think it's possible, it isn't. Trust me.
Balance really is key. Especially at an age where everything you do is so pivotal. It's okay to take a self-care day, working week, full week. Take what you need to centre yourself and put everything into perspective. We're not in high school anymore, wearing a terrible outfit to a party (I wore many, often looking like a lawyer or a mum - on theme) isn't going to ruin your life.
Responsibilities also come in the form of friends. I seem to have taken on the role of being an agony aunt (like I need to take on any more roles my calendar is FULL I need to stop). Giving advice to my friends, even on topics that I have no idea about and I just guess, is my favourite thing. Being there for them whenever they need it is the best thing you can ever do. But sometimes there comes a point where I need to learn to step back, take time for myself and I haven't mastered the art of this yet.
I suppose this takes time, learning the balance.
I love being the responsible friend, I really do, but it doesn't need to be a full-time job. If you're reading this and you relate on a crazy level TAKE A BREAK. You may look like you have your life together, but we both know it's just a facade. You're running off caffeine and red lipstick.
 |
| Maybe I get it from my mum. |
I'm playing a game of Jenga. How many responsibilities can I pile up before it topples? Accepting every opportunity that presents itself to me can be a good thing, but if there's too many when do you have time for yourself? Each wooden block consists of university work, building my career, social life, fitness, the list goes on. As much as the powers from above think it's possible, it isn't. Trust me.
Balance really is key. Especially at an age where everything you do is so pivotal. It's okay to take a self-care day, working week, full week. Take what you need to centre yourself and put everything into perspective. We're not in high school anymore, wearing a terrible outfit to a party (I wore many, often looking like a lawyer or a mum - on theme) isn't going to ruin your life.
 |
| Exhibit A: 16 or 35 year old lawyer with two kids? |
I suppose this takes time, learning the balance.
I love being the responsible friend, I really do, but it doesn't need to be a full-time job. If you're reading this and you relate on a crazy level TAKE A BREAK. You may look like you have your life together, but we both know it's just a facade. You're running off caffeine and red lipstick.
Comments
Post a Comment