I absolutely cherish date night—or day, for that matter. It really doesn’t matter as long as I’m out with my partner while the kids are happily at home with a sitter. But during our last outing, I realized something strange: we’ve picked up some unusual behaviors since becoming parents. Amidst the plethora of parenting advice available, it’s surprising that no one discusses how our social skills have taken a nosedive. What must people think when they see us? Here are some of the peculiar habits I’ve noticed creeping into our date nights:
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We Devour Our Meals
Every time we dine out, it feels like we’re racing against the clock. While we might not be competitive eaters like Joey Chestnut, we certainly chow down pretty fast. It’s not intentional, but after managing mealtime chaos with the kids—where food is either rejected or smeared with ketchup—our dining etiquette has gone out the window. Dinner at home is often a frantic affair, so when we finally get a chance to eat out, we typically polish off our plates in record time.
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We Gulp Down Wine
Similar to our food habits, our wine consumption has escalated. At home, it takes ages to finish a glass due to the constant interruptions. But at a restaurant, with no distractions, the wine disappears rapidly. What starts as a special indulgence sometimes leads to a headache the next day. Occasionally, I even feel like I’m back in my twenties, which, let’s be honest, usually doesn’t end well.
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We Snap a Selfie and Share It Online
Despite not being a selfie devotee and lacking a “selfie stick,” we find ourselves taking pictures on date night. After a rare moment of getting dressed up, I’m tempted to capture the moment—a reminder that we’re not just “Mom” and “Dad.” Whether it’s a boastful post or simply a way to document our rare outing, one of us will inevitably share that quirky shot.
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Dinner is Over by 7 p.m.
After a bottle of wine and a hearty meal, we realize that our date, which began at 6 p.m., is already winding down. Returning home before dark feels like a buzzkill, and we know the kids aren’t even asleep yet.
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We Feel Like Old Timers
It’s amusing to note that we often finish our meal before many others even start their night out. A few glasses in, we feel a tad tipsy and notice that the drinks being ordered have names we can’t even pronounce. We glance around and suddenly feel like the older crowd—definitely not the youthful party-goers we once were.
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We Make Impulse Buys
With dinner wrapped up so early, we often stroll around local shops post-meal, indulging in random purchases. After a few glasses of wine, my husband and I have ended up with an assortment of quirky items, like bizarrely scented candles. Thank goodness Costco isn’t nearby!
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We’re Home Before 10 p.m. and Head to Bed
Despite having fun on our outings, our energy levels have shifted since having two kids under five. Even if the night beckons us to party, we know all too well that the little ones will be up at dawn, and they’re not particularly sympathetic to adult hangovers. Honestly, crashing early has become a delightful routine.
Date nights have certainly evolved since our pre-kid days. While we could work on our table manners and social skills, maybe it’s time to embrace these habits as simply part of our parenting journey. After all, I’d rather enjoy these moments than worry about being ‘proper.’
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In summary, the quirks we pick up as parents during date nights are a testament to the life we’re leading. Whether it’s eating fast, impulsively buying candles, or heading home early, these habits reflect our current phase in life. Instead of shying away from them, let’s embrace the joy and laughter they bring.