Now that my son Dylan is approaching 20 months and is finally weaned, I feel a new sense of freedom. I’ve been able to rediscover the joy of going out with girlfriends again for the first time in a long while, and I’m beginning to feel like myself again.
Our pre-baby lives are full of social engagements and, if you’re like me, your most memorable (and missed) ones are nights out with your girlfriends. While enjoying ladies’ nights may last well into your pregnancy, once baby comes along your social calendar is likely nonexistent. It’s totally normal and it’s just part of one’s transformation into being a mama–that first year or so is a special time that requires all your focus and attention. But once baby starts getting a bit older, you may start to get that old familiar itch to, well…bitch.
Chatting with girlfriends on the phone isn’t as easy as before, with all the screaming and tyranny in the background. E-mails can be daunting to type with one hand, especially with little fingers grabbing at you. Meeting up with other moms on the playground is great for socialization (both yours and the little ones), however there comes a time when you need an uninterrupted break with your gals.
My advice? Grab another mama and ask her on a date.
I don’t get to do it all the time, but when I can escape for a night out with a girlfriend, it’s usually a renewing experience. Sharing a distraction-free meal with a friend is glorious. Usually we both end up talking about our kids and husbands a lot, but that’s why it’s good to go out with another mama–she gets what your life is like.
When you finally do go out, why not treat it like a real date? Dress up, wash your hair, put on actual jewelry and…wait for it…makeup! It doesn’t have to be a big event: simply going out to a good restaurant (ideally, one you wouldn’t typically take your kid to) where you can enjoy your food and give your full attention to your very own plate can be very liberating. And while you’re at it, take my lead and enjoy a bottle of wine. I will warn you though, if you haven’t been out in a while, your tolerance probably isn’t what it used to be. I can tell you from experience that a few too many drinks on ladies’ night feels great at the time…but the next morning at Gymboree can be painful!
