LIFE

 

You basically live at your bestie's house—you know where they keep the spare key, you have your own spot at the table and you know you're welcome anytime, even when your BFF isn't home. You feel like part of the fam...and if you're being honest, you wish you really were. Her parents are *so* much cooler than yours and you just love everything about her sibs. Here's what to do if you're struggling with major family envy:

Remember you don't see the whole picture. Even if you feel like you're at your friend's house 24/7, you're not and so you don't know everything that goes on in their family. Of course her parents are prob super nice to you and seem perfect because you're their guest. They aren't going to criticize you or discipline you like your own parents do because, well they aren't your parents! We're sure your friend doesn't see her parents the same way you see them, and that's normal. 

Stop comparing. Again, this goes along with the above. Comparing your family to your friend's family is like comparing apples to oranges—it's impossible to do when you don't have the whole perspective. And the more you focus on your family's "flaws", the more angry and resentful and just plain miserable you'll be. Recognize that you can love your friend's family while still loving your own, just in different ways. 

Learn from your friend's family. Take some time to think about what exactly you love so much about your bestie's fam. Is it the way they eat dinner together every night? Or how her and her big sis have girls' night in with their mom? Whatever it is that they do, try copying that with your own family. It'll help you all get closer and maybe even start some new traditions. 

Embrace it! It's awesome that you love your friend's fam so much. Not everyone can say that. And if you don't feel comfortable discussing personal stuff with your mom but can talk about it with your BFF's mom, that's great. What's important is that you have someone you can go to. In time, you might develop a closer bond with your mom but it's okay to have a "second" family, too.

Do you like your friend's fam more than your fam? How do you deal? Let us know in the comments! 

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Photo credit: Just Jared Jr..

by Amanda Tarlton | 3/24/2017