Five years ago I was a different guy and I don't even recognize him | DadHQ

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Five years ago I was a different guy and I don't even recognize him

3w ago·1 min read

Before I became a dad I was that guy at the bar every weekend, sleeping until noon, zero responsibilities. Now I'm meal prepping for the week, I'm in bed by 10pm most nights, and my idea of a good time is my kids laughing at something I did. I miss some parts of that freedom, no lie. But I wouldn't trade this for anything. The person I was before was kind of shallow. My kids made me actually grow up.

6 comments190 views

Comments(6)

JJoe C.Regular3w ago

That's the real transformation right there. From zero responsibilities to meal prepping and showing up for your kids every day - that's growth, not loss. You're exactly who you're supposed to be now.

JJamesRegular3w ago

Being that guy at the bar versus being the guy your kids depend on isn't even close. You sound way more fulfilled now, and that's what matters. The old version didn't have what you have now.

KKevin P.Regular3w ago

Juice boxes replaced late nights for me too and honestly it's the best trade I've made. Your kids are getting a version of you that shows up and has your life together. That's huge.

PParkerNew Dad3w ago

This hits different when you realize your kids don't know that version of you. My oldest is 8 and I genuinely can't imagine being that guy anymore. That guy didn't have a clue what he was missing.

SScottRegular3w ago

The transformation is real. I used to think dads who talked about their kids all the time were boring. Now I'm that guy and I love it. The bar lifestyle feels like it was somebody else's life.

NNolan D.Regular3w ago

Same man. Five years ago I was hitting the bars on Fridays and sleeping until noon on Saturdays. Now I'm up at 6am making oatmeal and thinking that's a good weekend. Don't miss it one bit.