Boring like a grandma or really cool? Granny friends definitely belong to the latter! Here we reveal why and what sets them apart.
“Wow, you’re so boring!” is what I’m accused of when I don’t feel like going to the party on the weekend. “Now have a drink,” is what people say when I’m out with friends but don’t want to drink alcohol. “You’re like a grandma!” – okay, he sat. At least at first. When I think about it further, I realize: it’s actually a compliment! It’s not necessarily a bad thing to not behave in an age-appropriate manner. Feeling and behaving more maturely with age can even have advantages: deeper friendships, more balance, greater determination.
Since this realization, I no longer mind when someone calls me “grandma.” I like being the granny friend – do you?
5 signs you’re a granny friend
You’re great to have deep talk with
Granny friends are not the best at superficial conversations and small talk – but they are even better at having deep conversations. Listening, being nonjudgmental, and empathizing with the other person are her particular strengths. You notice that you are a granny friend when the people around you come to you for advice and they confide in you with their problems. Just make sure that you don’t always just give others space, you also need time for yourself.
You don’t make those around you feel like they’re missing out
“You’re missing out!”, “But everyone’s there!” – two sentences that you probably never say if you are a granny friend. Because on the one hand, you definitely value quality over quantity and on the other hand, you know that sometimes it’s just necessary to be alone or just do something quiet. If meeting at the weekend would only cost you a lot of energy, you would rather forego it and gather new energy in other ways. And you convey exactly this feeling that it’s okay to act like that to those around you.
You’re always up for brunch
It’s the best activity ever: brunch. You get enough sleep because you don’t stay out late at night and the alarm clock doesn’t go off too early. You realize how important routines are. For your physical but also mental health. It’s not about never doing anything in the evening again – but what’s typical for granny friends is their love of brunch, which they know won’t affect the next few days like a fancy night of partying might.
You have cookies etc. with you at meetings
We love friends who always have a snack in their pocket. Grannies are always well prepared. And if you can make other people happy with it, you’ll be twice as happy! Cookies, sliced fruit, and ideally water too, so that no one gets dehydrated – Granny friends just think of everything.
You can have fun even without alcohol
For some friends of mine, having fun and partying is always accompanied by alcohol. It’s different with granny friends who can have fun even without alcohol! It has absolutely nothing to do with being “boring”, “so sensible” or “old”. You can decide for yourself whether you would like to drink an Aperol or a mocktail or simply water at this meeting. You decide for yourself without feeling guilty, and here too you give those around you the feeling that they can handle it the same way.
These five signs make it clear: Granny friends are really great and valuable. The most special thing about them is probably the ability to act so self-determined and free from social norms and pressure. It is the values and behavior rather than the age that make our dear grannies stand out among their friends.