“Tonight was everything,” my friend of nearly three decades exclaimed after we finished our meal at our go-to spot, wine glasses clinking and laughter echoing around us. As we walked to our cars, keys in hand, our cheeks hurt from grinning so much.
We have this lovely ritual of bringing each other flowers, sharing laughs, and always promising to do this more often. Yet, somehow, life gets in the way, and I’m determined to change that. I truly need to make it a priority.
Now, I’m not suggesting we need to gather every week for a deep dive into our lives over mountains of nachos and margaritas (though that would be fantastic). I’m simply saying that if our get-togethers leave us feeling this rejuvenated and alive, why not make it a bigger part of our lives?
I’m tired of being too exhausted to plan regular girls’ nights. There are days when the only conversations I have are with my family or with myself. As much as I adore them (and, let’s face it, talking to myself has its merits), I can’t shake the feeling that I’m losing my sanity after spending days negotiating dinner table manners or discussing the best slime recipes with my kids.
A girls’ night out, every now and then, can work wonders for our mental health. We deserve that time to unwind. Sure, it takes a little effort to slap on some lip gloss and put on real pants after a long day, especially when we’d rather veg out in front of Netflix (preferably sans a bra) or cuddle with our little ones after a long day. But let’s face it—friendships are good for our health. They can even extend our lifespan and help reduce stress. Who wouldn’t want to live longer while enjoying a night out with friends? It’s a perfect excuse to ditch the “I’m too busy” mantra for a while. We can all carve out some time for ourselves and each other at least once a month. It’s totally doable.
Connecting with other moms who share similar experiences—or even those who have already navigated the chaos—is crucial. It’s all too easy to bottle up our feelings, thinking there’s no chance to chat without interruptions from our kids. I’m guilty of this more times than I can count. But investing time in friendships always leaves me feeling validated and heard. My best gals remind me that I’m not alone.
As a mom, girl time has never been more vital. Sure, we don’t get out as often as we did before kids, but that makes those outings all the more special. We come together for new reasons, and our appreciation for each other deepens as we navigate different life stages. The temptation to stay in with the kids is strong, and often our friendships take a backseat after starting families. This is understandable, and the best friends are the ones who patiently wait for us while gently nudging us to invest in ourselves.
A fun night out can remind us that, while motherhood is an incredible job, it’s not our only role. We have these amazing women in our lives for a reason, and like any relationship, I need to dedicate more time and energy to my girls. Someday, I don’t want to look back and say, “Hey, Sarah, we should have enjoyed more nights out when we were younger. What I wouldn’t give for some nachos and a margarita now.” Instead, I want to say, “Sarah, I’m so glad we made time for our friendship amidst the chaos because, wow, we had a blast together, and you helped me through so much. Now, let’s go grab some nachos!”
If you found this piece relatable, check out our other blog posts like this one on home insemination for more insights into navigating life’s challenges. For anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of home insemination, Make A Mom has fantastic resources, and IVF Babble is a great site for all things pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, prioritizing girls’ night is essential for maintaining our mental health and friendships. While life gets busy, making time for our friends can rejuvenate us and remind us of who we are outside of motherhood. Let’s commit to fostering these connections and enjoying every moment together.