From Party Guy to Dad - I Don't Even Recognize Myself Anymore

1w ago1 min read

Man I gotta say this hits different. Five years ago I was the guy closing down bars on weekends, sleeping till noon, no real responsibilities. Now I'm up at 6am making lunches for the kids, my idea of a wild Friday night is staying up past 10pm to watch a movie with my wife. The crazy part? I don't even miss it. I thought I would but honestly I feel like I finally found out who I actually am instead of just who I was pretending to be. My old buddies still try to get me to come out and I just laugh. I got a four year old who thinks I'm a superhero, that hits way different than any high I used to chase.

7 comments132 views

Comments(7)

BBrett M.New Dad1w ago

This is the journey right here. I was similar before my first kid came along. The weird part is you don't even miss it after a while. Your priorities just shift and suddenly closing down bars doesn't sound fun anymore.

MMatteoRegular1w ago

This is the real before and after nobody talks about. The old life sounds fun until you realize how empty it actually was. Sounds like you're figuring out what actually matters now.

JJason M.New Dad1w ago

Dude, I feel this in my soul. Three years ago I was doing the same thing and now I'm the guy excited about a good nap instead of a night out. That identity shift is real but honestly it gets easier to embrace.

SSawyer N.Regular1w ago

The party guy version of you didn't have what you have now though. I'm two boys deep and yeah, I miss sleep sometimes, but closing down bars doesn't compare to watching my kids grow up. You're becoming a better version of yourself.

MMikeRegular1w ago

The fact that you recognize the change means you're doing something right. Becoming a parent forces you to grow up whether you're ready or not. Sounds like you actually leaned into it instead of fighting it.

JJosh M.Regular1w ago

Man, I get this completely. Five years ago I was out three nights a week. Now my idea of a wild night is staying up late watching a movie with my wife after the kids are down. It's a different life but honestly way better.

RRyan M.Regular1w ago

Five years is a solid transformation. I'm curious if you see moments where the old version of you peeks through, or has that guy pretty much disappeared? Either way sounds like you made peace with it.