“I feel like a girl again,” my friend of nearly three decades said one evening as we enjoyed wine and Caesar salad at our go-to restaurant. With keys in hand and our faces aching from laughter, we headed back to our cars, savoring the moment.
We always exchange flowers and share plenty of laughs, yet we often say we should do this more frequently. Yet, life gets in the way, and I’m determined to change that. In fact, I need to change that.
I’m not suggesting we have to meet every week to vent while munching on nachos and sipping margaritas (though that would be fantastic). I just think that if these moments make us feel so rejuvenated and alive, we should prioritize them more.
I’m tired of feeling too exhausted to schedule regular girls’ nights. There are times when the only conversations I have are with my family or even just myself. And while I cherish those interactions, I can’t help but feel my brain cells dwindling after days spent discussing manners at the dinner table or helping my kids with their latest craft projects.
A girls’ night every now and then can work wonders for our mental well-being, and we certainly deserve it.
Sure, it takes some effort to put on a bit of lip gloss and get dressed after a long day. We’re all busy, and sometimes, curling up on the couch in our pajamas feels like the ultimate luxury after a hectic day of parenting. But let’s not forget that friendships are vital for our health—research shows they can extend our lives and alleviate stress. Who wouldn’t want to enhance their life while enjoying a relaxing evening with friends? It’s definitely a solid reason to set aside the “I’m too busy” excuse at least once a month.
We all need connection, especially with other moms navigating similar challenges, or even those who have weathered the storm already. It’s easy to bottle up our feelings and not share our worries because we think we don’t have the time or privacy to talk without interruptions. I’m guilty of that too. But when I dedicate time to my friendships, I always feel heard and validated. My best friends remind me that I’m not alone.
As a mom, nurturing these friendships has become more essential than ever. While nights out are fewer since becoming a parent, they feel even more special. The reasons we gather have shifted, and we appreciate each other on a deeper level as we navigate different life stages.
The temptation to stay home and cozy with our kids can be strong, often pushing our friendships to the back burner. This is understandable, and true friends will patiently wait while also encouraging us to invest in ourselves.
Taking time for a night out is a wonderful reminder that while being a mom is fulfilling, it’s not the only role we have. We cherish these women in our lives for a reason. Just like any relationship, I need to put more effort into my friendships. Someday, it might just be us reminiscing on the porch of a retirement home, and I’d hate to think, “Sara, we really should have treated ourselves to more nights out when we were younger. I’d give anything for nachos and a margarita right now.” Instead, I want to say, “Sara, I’m so grateful we always made time for our friendship amidst the chaos. We truly had fun and supported each other through thick and thin. Now, let’s go grab those nachos!”
If you found this article enlightening, check out our other blog posts, like the one at intracervicalinsemination.com, for more insights.
In summary, prioritizing girls’ nights can significantly boost our mood and strengthen our friendships. Despite the challenges of motherhood, investing time to connect with friends is essential for our well-being.