You probably anticipated that life would change after welcoming children, but you might have thought that your social life would remain relatively intact. Yet, as you navigate the world of parenthood, you’ll find that things are quite different than before. Here are 14 ways your social life will evolve once you become a parent:
- In the early days, your need for adult conversation will be so intense that you might find yourself at a stranger’s house buying a used baby carrier, secretly wishing she’d invite you in for coffee.
- While lying on the couch with a sleeping baby nestled on your chest at 3:40 a.m., you may find yourself thinking, “Who is awake right now and wants to chat?” This person will become your closest confidant for the next few years.
- Social outings with friends for late-night dinners and drinks are replaced by visits to charming pastry shops that open at 7 a.m.
- You’ll start to wonder, “Why aren’t there more morning get-togethers?”
- When your friends without kids rave about the latest hip cocktail bar, you might joke, “I created a drink called the ‘Ferber’—it’s just milk and a Xanax! Ha!” Your friends may sidle away slowly.
- Gone are the nights spent dancing until dawn; now you’re more likely to shout at your partner, “It’s YOUR TURN to take care of the baby!” while you wrestle with your messy hair.
- “Pre-gaming” now refers to the glass of wine you pour before tackling yet another round of Chutes and Ladders.
- The term “hook up” takes on a new meaning as you wait at home for the repairman, who might show up anytime between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. When he arrives at 10:59 p.m., you’ll be half annoyed and half fascinated by his tales of the outside world.
- The deep conversations you once had about relationships transform into discussions about sleep schedules: “If she wakes up at 5:40 instead of 6, should I adjust her nap by 20 minutes?” Your friends may look puzzled, but that’s just your obsessive nature shining through.
- Your criteria for friends shifts. While you won’t drive an hour to meet a casual acquaintance, you’ll gladly spend time with that one friend who’s a bit challenging but has a toddler, because who else can relate to your “commando” potty training adventures?
- Your late-night escapades are replaced by a jittery sense of dread as 9 p.m. approaches—because a late night means a rough morning.
- Your social circle now includes those you genuinely enjoy—who also don’t overly analyze their parenting choices in front of their kids.
- You might discover incredible friendships through motherhood, connecting with other parents who offer laughter and support.
- You’ll be surprised by how your social life opens up in small but meaningful ways, from chatting with fellow parents at drop-off to exchanging a smile with someone in the grocery aisle.
Sure, your days may wrap up earlier than before, and socializing might happen while you’re pushing a stroller or tending to diaper duties. But overall, things are richer now; where once you had friends, you now have a community.
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Summary
Parenthood leads to significant changes in your social life, from the types of outings you enjoy to the friends you make. You’ll find new ways to connect with others while adapting to a lifestyle that prioritizes family.