“I feel like a girl again,” my friend of almost three decades expressed one evening after we enjoyed a glass of wine and a Caesar salad at our go-to restaurant. As we walked to our cars, keys in hand and smiles plastered across our faces, the joy was palpable.
We consistently bring each other flowers, share laughs, and often remark that we need to do this more frequently. Yet, we rarely make it happen, and I am determined to change that. In fact, I truly need to make it a priority.
I’m not suggesting we meet every week for nachos and slushy margaritas (although that would be fantastic). I just think that if our time together brings us such joy and rejuvenation, we should prioritize it.
I’m exhausted from feeling too worn out to schedule regular girls’ nights. There are days when the only conversations I have are with my family or just within my own head. While I cherish these moments, I can’t help but feel that I’m losing touch with my intellect after days of negotiating with kids about manners at the dinner table or discussing the intricacies of slime-making.
A girls’ night out can do wonders for our mental health, and we absolutely deserve it. While it may take effort to swipe on a bit of lip gloss and put on real pants after a long day, it’s worth it. We’re all busy, and the temptation to curl up on the couch with Netflix (and no bra) is strong. But friendships are vital for our well-being. They can extend our lives and help alleviate stress—who wouldn’t want to enhance their life by spending a relaxing evening with friends? This sounds like the perfect reason to ditch the “I’m too busy” excuse, even if it’s just once a month. We can make time for ourselves and each other.
Connecting with other mothers who understand our struggles—or those who have already navigated them—is essential. It’s all too easy to keep our feelings bottled up, fearing interruptions from kids or missing the chance to share our challenges. I’ve been guilty of this many times. However, when I do carve out time for my friendships, I feel validated, heard, and uplifted because my closest friends remind me that I’m not alone.
Having girl time has become increasingly important to me as a mom. While the frequency of nights out has decreased since having kids, these outings feel more meaningful. We gather for different reasons now and appreciate each other on new levels as we navigate various life stages.
The urge to stay home with our children is powerful, and it’s easy for friendships to take a backseat once we start families. This is understandable, and true friends will wait but also gently urge us to invest in ourselves. Enjoying a night out can remind us that, while motherhood is our favorite role, it’s not our only identity. We have these amazing women in our lives for a reason. Just like any other relationship, I need to dedicate more time and energy to my friendships because, someday, we might find ourselves reminiscing on the front porch of a nursing home wishing we’d prioritized our enjoyment more often.
Instead of lamenting missed opportunities, I hope to say, “I’m so glad we carved out time for our friendship despite life’s chaos. We had a blast, and you helped me through so much. Now, let’s grab some nachos!”
If you’re interested in more insightful discussions, check out our other posts, like how to navigate relationships on our blog. Also, for anyone interested in pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore resources like Cleveland Clinic for valuable information.
Summary:
Making time for girls’ nights is essential for mental well-being, especially for mothers who often find their friendships sidelined by family obligations. Investing in these connections can rejuvenate our spirits and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Prioritizing friendships allows us to maintain a sense of self beyond motherhood.