Mass, stew and OAP goss: Growing up close to your grandparents

I lived with my grandparents for the majority of my life.

When my mam moved down to the country, I decided to stay in Dublin and live with my grandparents because I didn't want to leave my school and friends.

And while some people might find that a bit odd, it was completely normal to me.

From my grandad teaching me how to ride a bike, to my nanny teaching me how to knit (she failed), there's a lot I learned from growing up with them.

To this day I go back there because nobody can make a cup of tea like my grandad.

So, if you lived with or were pretty close to your grandparents growing up, then you'll know these 15 things to be true:

1. You were made go to mass

Sometimes even multiple times in the week.

2. And you'd get a slap if you used the Lord's name in vain

#StillHappens

3. Dinner consisted of boiled potatoes and plain meat

I wasn't even allowed leave the table until it was all gone.

4. Whenever they found something you did like to eat, they'd buy it by the bucket load

But then you'd get sick of that too…

5.You were introduced to a whole world of movies and songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s

But when you wanted to listen to your music, you were told to turn off that 'rap crap'.

6. They were very protective of you

And the fear of God was put in them when you started to hang around with guys.

7. But it was even worse when you decided to dye your hair

And don't even mention piercings or tattoos.

8. You always knew the neighbourhood goss

And many mornings were spent staring out the window with your nanny to see what John down the road was getting up to today.

9. You still get phone calls if one of the neighbours pass away

Even if you didn't know them at all.

10. They always tried to dress you in cute, pink and girly outfits

And still do.

11. It felt like you had two sets of parents

Permission had to be granted by four people. FOUR.

12. But you have a special bond with them that nobody else has

I consider my nanny one of my best mates, and my grandad makes me laugh like no other.

14. They're super special people

Mainly because they had to put up with me for 20+ years.

15. You appreciate EVERYTHING

Because hey, they didn't bargain for another daughter… but they certainly got one in me.