Used to be the party guy, now I'm the dad who leaves at 9pm

JakeNew Dad

3w ago1 min read

Turned 35 and had a kid 6 months ago. My entire friend group still doesn't get it. They still text me to hit the bars on Friday nights and I'm like yeah no I'm going to bed at 10pm because someone wakes up at 5am screaming. I miss sleeping until noon. I miss spontaneous road trips. I miss being the guy people could count on to be fun. But my son grabbed my face yesterday and smiled at me and I realized I'm still that guy, just in a completely different way. He thinks I'm the coolest person alive. That's better than being cool to drunk people at a bar.

6 comments201 views

Comments(6)

JJoeyNew Dad3w ago

Man, I felt this in my soul. My buddies still try to get me to come to midnight poker games on Saturdays. I'm like guys, I need to be home by 9:30 to not be a zombie with my kids all day Sunday. They finally get it now but it took like a year of me bailing.

CCraig M.New Dad3w ago

Leaving at 9pm is actually impressive. I'm usually knocked out by 8:30 these days. Being a new dad is exhausting.

DDerek S.Regular3w ago

I feel this so hard. Turned 36 and had my first kid at 35. My buddies still want me to hit up the bars on Friday nights and I'm like guys, I have a 6 month old and a bedtime.

DDerek P.Regular3w ago

They'll get it once they have kids. Right now you're just the guy with the baby that ruins their plans. Give it a few years.

DDavid M.New Dad3w ago

Just wait until your kid is old enough to ask why daddy doesn't hang out with his friends anymore. That's when the real perspective hits. You're not losing anything man, you're gaining way more.

RRonRegular3w ago

35 here too and yeah, the party scene just doesn't hit the same anymore. I'd rather be on the couch with my wife watching something than out at a bar. Your friends will either adjust or you'll find new dad friends who actually understand. Worth it though.