“Tonight made me feel like a girl again,” my longtime friend Emily said one evening as we wrapped up a delightful dinner, sharing laughter and a bottle of wine at our favorite spot. As we walked to our cars, keys in hand and faces aching from smiling, it struck me how much we cherish these moments together.
We always bring each other little gifts and find ways to make each other laugh, promising that we should do this more often. Yet, somehow, life gets in the way. I want to change that. No, I’m not suggesting we meet every week to pour our hearts out over nachos and margaritas (although that would be ideal). I just think if these nights leave us feeling so rejuvenated, why not elevate their importance in our lives?
I’m done being too exhausted to plan regular girls’ nights. There are days when the only conversations I have are with my family or even just myself. While I love them dearly, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m losing touch with my own thoughts when my days revolve around reminding my kids to say “excuse me” or helping them look for their toys while juggling a million other tasks.
A night out with the girls can truly work wonders for our mental health, and we deserve it. Sure, it takes effort to put on some lipstick and real pants after a long day, especially when binge-watching shows in comfy clothes sounds so tempting. But friendships are crucial for our well-being. Studies have shown that strong social connections can extend our lives and reduce stress. Who wouldn’t want to boost their longevity by simply enjoying a relaxing evening with friends? It’s definitely a valid reason to set aside the “I’m too busy” excuse for just one night a month.
We all need that connection, especially with fellow moms who understand what we’re going through — or even those who’ve been there and done that. It’s far too easy to keep our struggles bottled up, avoiding sharing our concerns because we feel we lack the opportunity to speak freely without interruptions. I know I’ve fallen into that trap many times. However, when I invest in those friendships, I always leave feeling validated and heard. My best girlfriends constantly remind me that I’m not alone.
Having girl time as a mom has become more essential than ever. While we may not have as many nights out as we once did, those occasions feel all the more special now. We gather for different reasons, appreciating our friends on a deeper level as we navigate various life stages. The temptation to stay home with our kids is strong, and often our friendships take a backseat once we start families. That’s understandable; the best friends are the ones who patiently wait but also gently encourage us to prioritize our own well-being.
Enjoying a night out can remind us that, while motherhood is our favorite role, it’s not our only identity. These women in our lives are there for a purpose, and like any relationship, I need to invest more time and energy into my friendships. After all, someday we might find ourselves reminiscing on the porch of a nursing home. I don’t want to look at Emily and say, “We really should have treated ourselves to more nights out when we were younger.” Instead, I want to be able to say, “I’m so grateful we made time for each other amidst the chaos. We had some amazing times, and you helped me through so much. Now, let’s grab some nachos!”
If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out our other blog posts about home insemination here. You can also find helpful resources on pregnancy at this link, which covers what to expect during your first IUI. If you’re exploring home insemination options, Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit is a trusted source.
In summary, making time for girls’ night is essential for maintaining our mental well-being and nurturing our friendships. Let’s prioritize these gatherings, even if they are less frequent than before. They can remind us of the joy and connection we share, making the challenges of motherhood feel a little lighter.