If only our kid would kindly clue us in when he brings a new special someone into his life.

But alas, we’re usually among the last to officially know. Luckily, we’ve still got our psychic skills, which we’ve been honing ever since our “baby” developed his first crush.

Herewith, FabOverFifty presents the collective wisdom of some of our best supernatural moms. Once you spot your offspring exhibiting any of these signs, you can bet your sweet bippy she’s into someone new. (Of course, this applies to your daughter, too!)

She buys a new comforter and/or sheets

He loses weight and signs up for a gym membership

She starts to have secretive phone conversations

She texts even more than usual (and smiles while she is doing it)

She often wears new clothes



As a high school freshman, I’d sneak out of the house to make out with my 11th grade boyfriend in Manhattan’s Central Park. Now, as a recent college graduate, my boyfriend (a different guy) is a frequent topic of discussion and a regular visitor. I let my mom know when I’m planning to spend the night at his apartment, and find myself confiding in her more than I do in my friends, something my high school self never would have imagined. 

What’s changed in these last eight years to make stealthy getaways and off-limit topics things of the past?

I went straight to the source, my mom, to find out. “I now consider our times together as shared experiences vs. teachable moments, when I could give you perspective and values,” she told me. “At this point, I think you’ve demonstrated that you know them, so I don’t need to sit around ‘teaching’ you now, which is kind of liberating for me. You also have become my go-to person for advice on everything from sample sale shopping to book recommendations and the college application process for your younger brothers.”


Like me, mom revealed she’s been giving our relationship a great deal of thought.

Her friends have told her they’re committed to cultivating ‘best friend’ relationships with their daughters, but, previously, that didn’t feel quite right to her. I decided to find out for myself if other mothers had indeed made the transition from policewoman to pal. (more…)