Every friendship group has one: the ‘mum’ friend whose MO is picking up the pieces whenever anyone falls apart. Sound like you? First of all, shout out to you because you play such a valuable role in all our lives.

If you’ve ever played the Advice Giver, you’ll know one or all of these situations like the back of your hand. 

Being The Shoulder To Cry On

You have a stash of wine and chocolate ready just in case you need to console your friends, and it runs out pretty quickly. Being the Advice Giver of your friendship group means that everyone comes to you first as soon as shit hits the fan. You’ve seen enough tears, breakdowns and issues to last you a lifetime.

You don’t mind it though, because helping your friends get themselves back together is worth every sleepless night.

Friends Coming At You All At Once

If you’re the Advice Giver in one friendship group, chances are you play the same role in other friendship groups too. The challenge? Sometimes life deals your friends wildcards at the same time and you’re stuck in the crossfire. It seems impossible for you to have that many shoulders available, but you manage it like a trooper.

It’s important to take care of yourself as well as your friends during times like these. Self-care should always be considered.

Watching Your Friends Ignore Your Advice

You can look at the situation your friends are in and predict how things will go down. Needless to say you’re right 99 per cent of the time. Your friends know this, but have a knack of ignoring your advice and ending up in the exact position you predicted. Go figure.

But you’re bigger than an “I told you so,” and will be right there with more advice and hugs when things go south again.

Keeping Secrets (And Lots Of Them)

Being the Advice Giver of the group also means you have to keep the most secrets. You know shit that no one else knows and that could potentially destroy friendships and relationships three times over. But you’re such a trustworthy friend that you’ll take them to your grave.

Knowing Exactly What To Say To Each Friend

Being trusted with all of your friends’ shit means you know what makes every friend tick, and more importantly, how to empathise with each of them (even if they turn around and do the opposite anyway). You can flip from a rational approach to an emotional plea in seconds if the situation calls for it.

Never Following Your Own Advice

You always know exactly what to say to your friends and can see their shit a mile away, but you never take your own advice. You’ve told your friends the same thing a thousand times, but when it’s your turn all that advice suddenly goes out the window. You know what to do in theory but never follow through once emotions are involved.

Luckily, you have a hoard of friends at your side ready to return the favour.

Being the Advice Giver of a group is a tireless role, but where would your friends be without you?

Kim Koelmeyer is and Arts (Journalism)/Law student at Deakin University and deals primarily in memes and blogging.

(Lead image: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend / Black Lamb and CBS)