Friends v Family: Finding the Balance

Lately I've gotten into the most amazing group of friends. They love each other. I love them. Secretly, they love me back :] They hang out a lot after school. Actually, they're rarely not together. I'm not really used to that, because I've always just had one boyfriend that took up my social time. Of course, now that I've finally had time for a healthy social life, I've seen my parents less and less and they've become more.. parenty. Whereas before we had more of a peaceful coexistance, now it's becoming more of a hierarchy. I have a curfew. My mom threatened to ground me, which is like, crazy. That never happens. It makes me feel bad for spending so much time with my friends. It's really becoming more and more difficult to balance friends and family, which I think is a problem a lot of people our age face.

So what do you do? I think the best way to make sure no one's feelings are hurt is to schedule nights ahead of time so you get a good balance of family and friends. Make a plan with your parents: Holidays are always family, friend's birthdays are always with friends. Have one night a week that you hang out with friends. For me, that's Wings on Wednesdays. My parents know not to expect me for dinner on Wednesdays, and their feelings don't get hurt. Sundays are always family days, so we go to church and eat and whatnot. I have youth on Sundays so I get to see my friends a little. Try to eat dinner at home as much as possible. It's the one time your family can sit down together and learn about each other that isn't forced. That way you can avoid awkward family activities. Being a senior has made me realize how precious time is. This is my last year with my parents, but also my last year with all my high school friends. It's so important to make both happy and not let anyone down. Be sure to take time for yourself too though, and that you spend your time with good people. Don't go to college saying you wish you'd spent more time with someone, or gotten to know someone better. Do it while you can, and enjoy every second. You won't regret good times, promise :]