Do You Have Maternal Instincts? - Page 8

Source: eli_asenova / Getty

A lot of women wonder whether or not they have maternal instincts. If you’re reaching an age when you’re considering having kids, you naturally want to know that you have “the right stuff” to raise children. In addition to having a little living under your belt (so you feel ready to settle down) and having some financial security (so you can pay for the diapers through karate classes through college), you want to know that you have the emotional components necessary to make a great mom. Some women know instantly, “Oh yeah – I have maternal instincts.” Some feel for certain they don’t (though they’re often wrong, and surprise themselves once kids arrive), and some women really just don’t know where they fall in it all. While many of your maternal instincts will hide until you actually have babies – because nothing quite brings them out like a little cooing cutie who has your eyes – there are ways to know if you have those instincts now. You can identify them in some of the things that come up in your social life and work life, or even your current home life, even if there aren’t kids there. Your so-called “maternity” pops up in little ways if you pay attention. So, do you have maternal instincts? Here are some signs.

Source: Brothers91 / Getty

You care for a sick roommate

If your roommate is sick, that becomes a part of your life until she’s better. You stay home a bit more. You check on her. You make her soup. You pick up supplies from the pharmacy. You feel obligated to help her get better. You don’t just go on about your normal life and say, “Bummer for her!”

Source: EmirMemedovski / Getty

You help out a struggling coworker

If a coworker is going through something difficult, personally, like a breakup or a sick relative, you help pick up some of her slack. You don’t want her to get in trouble with your boss for doing a sub-par job, but you also know she wants this thing going on to remain private. So you just take on a bit of her work while she picks herself back up.

Source: recep-bg / Getty

You aim to alleviate fears

When you see that someone is afraid of something – maybe it’s a coworker afraid she’ll be in trouble over something or a roommate afraid a guy hasn’t called because he didn’t like their date – you jump on the task of alleviating those fears. If someone is frightened, you don’t just shrug it off. You feel compelled to chase away those fears.

Source: wagnerokasaki / Getty

You know when someone needs something

If you have friends over, you’re always acutely aware of others’ needs. You see someone shifting on the couch, and know they need an additional back pillow. You see someone clearing their throat, and know they need a glass of water. Someone is squirming. She needs the bathroom but doesn’t want to interrupt the conversation. You always notice these things, and do something about them.

Source: SDI Productions / Getty

You hate when others are uncomfortable

If someone is uncomfortable in a social setting, you feel that. You take on their discomfort. Like if you have a group of friends over, and one keeps talking about money, and you know another, who recently lost her job, is getting anxious. You change the subject. You can’t stand it if people you love feel uneasy.

Source: PeopleImages / Getty

You’ll share your food, even when you’re hungry

When you come home with pizza you picked up, you’re starving, and you want nothing more than to chow down, but you see your roommate staring at an empty fridge, you share your pizza with her. When your partner is eyeing your leftovers in the fridge, and you know he’s in a hurry, and needs something to eat fast before a meeting, you tell him to just have your leftovers.

Source: LumiNola / Getty

You’ll give up sleep to console someone

If a friend calls you, crying her eyes out after a breakup or a work disaster, you’ll stay up talking to her, even if you have an early morning. If your partner really wants to go over his presentation with you for tomorrow, but you’re exhausted, you’ll stay up and help him, so that he can go into his meeting with confidence.

Source: Alistair Berg / Getty

You love a good snuggle

You’re very physically affectionate. You love to be physically near your loved ones. On girls’ night, you snuggle up with your friends to watch a movie. If there is a dog around, you instantly sit with it and pet it. You love cuddling with your partner for hours. You get those feel-good hormones when you cuddle your loved ones.

Source: PeopleImages / Getty

People feel they can talk to you

People often tell you that they feel they can tell you anything. They say you aren’t judgmental, and you’re a good listener. They feel like somehow, you’ll have all the answers, and you’ll make everything okay. They always feel better after talking to you.

Source: FluxFactory / Getty

You’re very forgiving

You’re quick to forgive. You don’t let people walk all over you, but if someone clearly tried their hardest and just messed up, or they meant well and made the wrong choice this time, or are generally a good person who did a bad thing, you forgive.

Source: Tony Anderson / Getty

You’re tough but fair

You’re good at giving tough love. You’ll tell someone when they’re in a bad relationship or when they need to stand up to that coworker or when they need to finally nut-up and go after their goals. But you aren’t intimidating when you do it. You boost peoples’ confidence when you do this, but you also won’t take excuses.

Source: Igor Alecsander / Getty

Your capacity to help is nearly limitless

You feel very satisfied by helping others. You actually get energy by multi-tasking and somehow helping as many others as you can throughout your day while also accomplishing the things you need to accomplish for yourself. You have a “Give me what you got” mentality towards life and other peoples’ needs.

Source: Solange_Z / Getty

You’re often thinking of others

You often find yourself thinking of others. That one friend just moved – is she okay? Does she need someone to talk to? Maybe you can put her in touch with a friend you know in her new city. Your neighbor hurt her back recently. Should you see if she wants to borrow your lumbar support pillow?

Source: Viktorcvetkovic / Getty

You’re a cheerleader for your loved ones

When someone you love is going after something, you’re fiercely in their corner. You’re sending motivational texts. You’re at the game/performance/presentation. You brag about them, in front of them, to make them feel good about their pursuits. You’re really proud of your loved ones, as if their achievements are your own.