1. What do you think a family is?

Friends

As we get older, and life gets faster – the time we once had for our friends, seems to diminish. You might not notice it at first, but soon your coffee dates are being replaced by school meetings. Your carefree mornings are busy and rushed, and the phone calls you used to make daily to chat with your best friend are slowly turning into every other week (or month!) catch up calls. Fitting in time for friends is sadly one of the first things to go when life gets busy, and before you know it – you hardly know the person you used to call your best friend.

This fact is though, that while this is tragic, it’s also preventable! Spending time with friends is one of the few pleasures in life that can cost you very little, but reward you substantially. It is also proven to be one of the best ways to combat stress. Spending time with your friends can help melt away the cares of the world, and leave you a better person all around.

Carve out time for your friends, by scheduling it in. One way to do this successfully, is to find common goals you both might have, and spend your time together working on reaching those goals –accomplishing two things at the same time, and making it easier to find time to spend with friends. An example would be working out together, walking the pets together, trying new things together, or scheduling the kids’ play dates with each other. You could also look out for special occasions to spend time with each other –these events don’t have to be huge social events, it could be as simple as inviting friends over to watch the Super Bowl or having your spouse look after the kids so you can go out for coffee.

Spending more time with your friends and family is beneficial to your mental wellbeing, as well as your relationships. With friends and family your good times are better, and your sorrows are shared –so don’t overlook this important area in life!

5. Do you think of your best friend as a member of your family?
The old saying that friends are like family is very true, because your closest friends are those that have been there for you through everything. You never have to worry about their intentions, or doubt their advice, because they always have your best interests at heart. They know you better than your own family, and they will always be completely honest with you. Plus, they know all of your embarrassing moments, so letting go of the friendship is now no longer an option.

1. Actually get on Unlike family gatherings, you are totally confident in knowing that a gathering with friends will not lead to a row over a game of Monopoly, that results in someone tipping over the board. You actually get on a lot, have a ton of things in common and any time spent together is full of laughter.

2. Always together You’re almost joined at the hip, because that is how much time you spend together. Whether it is going to the gym, watching a new boxset, doing a bit of shopping, you always have a friend tagging along. You can happily spend a whole month together and not get bored.

3. Total honesty No-one (apart from your mum) will be as honest with you, as your friends are. If you have done something wrong, they will be the first to sit you down and tell you, in the nicest way possible of course.

4. No drama Spending time with them is stress-free, involves zero drama or quarrels and actually helps to relieve your stress. Especially when food and wine is involved.

5. Unbiased opinion You can always rely on them for an unbiased opinion on life choices, haircuts and even what to eat for dinner. And their advice will always be in line with the best possible outcome for you. MORE : 10 things you’ll only understand if your mum is your best friend 6. Basically a free therapist You have lost count of the number of times you have driven to their house in the middle of the night, parked outside, for a secret therapy session in your car.

7. Always there for you It doesn’t matter if you ring them at 4am on Christmas Day if you’re going through something, they will always answer, listen and support you.

8. Knows your embarrassing moments

9. So supportive Every time you have been fired, dumped, or had an awful day, you know that spending time with them will cheer you up and put things into perspective. And when they are in need, you do the exact same back for them.

10. Know you better than anyone else Only your friends know exactly how you have your Nando’s, the number of sugars in your tea, and your favourite cocktail. Your own parents don’t have a clue.

11. So many inside jokes Because you’ve been through so much together, you have a whole abundance of private jokes. You don’t even need to bring up a particular funny incident, all you need to do is say one word, and you all burst into laughter. Sometimes you just need to make a particular sound, or give a slight look and they will cotton on to the joke right away.

12. All the memories Over the years you have gone through so many phases together. Different jobs, different partners, different hairstyles and even different pizza preferences. You’ve grown together and it feels great.

13. You actually chose them Unlike family you get to chose your own friends, and you opted to make an effort with them and vice versa.

When you look back on your friendship, you can’t help but think how proud you are for having such beautiful, close friends to enjoy life with.

6. Do you think of your parents as your friends?

Yes, my children and I are best friends. That doesn't mean that I am not their mother also. They love me incredibly much and want to be with me. My main role is to nurture them, not spoil them. I also protect them.

They love their father just as much, and often ask for more time with him. That doesn't mean that he doesn't discipline them as their father.

Their father and I love each other. That doesn't mean that we don't fight. The children are quick to rebuke us when we shout at each other, especially the 8 year old. When we hug each other, my 10 year old wants a hug with us.

Society is structured in general to split the family apart. Think about schools, churches, old age homes. These are neat little boxes. It makes sense economically. Or does it?

I am friends with so many people, some of them double my age. I value their wisdom.

I don’t really understand why so many parents worry about being good friends with their children. Parents are very important in their child’s life; we need to help them learn and grow up well. I heard something once that was great; kids will have many friends in their life, but only one mom/dad.

It is important to have a good relationship with your child, but that is possible without being their “friend.” They need you to guide them, set limits, and encourage them to mature and grow. Parenting roles change over the years, so when they are grown you’re no longing setting rules, etc. You can be in more of a friend type role, but you are always their parent. And that is a special, important role that no one else has.

10. Do you have any hobbies?

I have only one hobby. Yet, it consumes all my free time. I enjoy reading and have always been a voracious reader.

Although I prefer reading fiction, I make a deliberate effort to read at least one non-fiction book in a couple of months.

My first book was “Famous Five Go to Kirrin Island” at the age of ten. What I truly treasure about my hobby is its power to transport me to different locations whilst I’m still on my couch.

It is a low budget travel option that I often take!  Recently,  I started attending book club meetings.

It’s a group of 15 individuals and we meet on the third Sunday, every month to discuss books that we have read in that month.

It’s wonderful how a few lines can have so many varied interpretations, and can give rise to a multitude of emotions and opinions.

My hobby has made me develop analytical thinking and open-mindedness.

Reading has also broadened my imagination across horizons. I wouldn’t possibly trade it for anything else, ever!

11. Self-Introduction