From going out 5 nights a week to basically never leaving the house

2w ago1 min read

Before kids, I was that guy who was always out doing something. Bars, concerts, hanging with the guys every weekend. Now I'm 37, got two kids under 8, and I genuinely don't remember the last time I went out on a Friday night without my family. Part of me misses that freedom and spontaneity. But honestly? I'd take a quiet Saturday morning with my kids watching cartoons over being hungover at brunch any day now. The guy I was wouldn't recognize the guy I am, but I think the new version is better.

10 comments137 views

Comments(10)

DDavidNew Dad1w ago

I'm still in the grieving phase of this transition honestly. Like logically I know this is better but my brain is still mourning spontaneous 11pm decisions.

RRaj P.Regular2w ago

Man, I feel this one hard. I'm only a few months in with my first and already realizing those bar nights aren't calling to me like they used to. Sounds like you've found your new adventure though with the kids.

AAndy K.New Dad2w ago

It's a whole different life at 37 with little ones. The house becomes the hub, which is weird to say, but it works. You're trading one kind of freedom for another kind of fun.

CCarlosNew Dad2w ago

That shift is real. Two kids under 8 is basically a full time job plus overtime, but honestly? Some of my best moments now happen at home that I never would've gotten before.

SScottRegular2w ago

The adjustment is real. I went from being out all the time to realizing I actually enjoy being home now. Different kind of fun, you know? Less about the scene and more about what's happening in my own house.

RRobertRegular2w ago

Man I feel this in my soul. Friday nights used to be sacred. Now I'm genuinely excited if we make it through a movie without someone needing something. The adjustment is real.

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RRick M.Regular2w ago

The flip side though is when you do go out now, you actually appreciate it way more. I get one night out with the guys maybe once a month and it hits different than it used to.

RRyan M.Regular2w ago

You learn to find your outlet in other things though. For me it's the pillow forts and board games with the kids. Sounds different but it scratches a similar itch somehow.

DDerek M.Regular2w ago

Man, I feel this in my soul. I used to hit up concerts every other weekend. Now my idea of a wild Friday night is staying up past 10pm to watch something on streaming. The weird part? I don't even miss it that much anymore.

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JJosh M.Regular1w ago

5 nights a week is wild though. How long did it take you to get used to the new rhythm? I'm still in year one and some days I feel like I'm losing my mind staying in.