Date night is a cherished escape for many parents. Whether it’s an evening out or a daytime adventure, the joy of spending time with a partner while the kids are with a sitter is unparalleled. However, during a recent outing, I realized that parenthood has led to some peculiar habits that have taken over our social lives. Despite the plethora of parenting resources available, few address the impact of parenthood on our social skills and etiquette. Here are seven peculiar behaviors I’ve observed:
1. Speedy Eating
During our outings, my partner and I find ourselves devouring our meals at an astonishing pace. While we’re not competing in an eating contest, it’s close. This rapid consumption is a reflection of our chaotic family meals, where we juggle kids’ food preferences, interruptions, and endless requests. By the time we get a moment to eat, our meals vanish quickly. It’s a challenge to break this habit, even when we’re enjoying a night out.
2. Rapid Wine Consumption
Similar to our eating habits, drinking wine becomes a swift endeavor. At home, my glass takes ages to empty amidst distractions. Yet, on date night, it disappears almost immediately. Although it’s a delightful treat, it often leads to a headache the next day or a sudden nostalgia for our carefree twenties. This behavior can spiral quickly.
3. Selfie Time
Despite not usually being a fan of selfies or using a selfie stick, we find ourselves taking pictures on date night. After getting dressed up, I am often tempted to document this rare occasion for social media. Perhaps it’s a way to remind ourselves of our identities beyond “Mom” and “Dad,” or simply a desire to share our joy. Either way, expect at least one of these snapshots to be posted.
4. Dinner Wrap-Up by 7 p.m.
After indulging in food and wine, we often realize that our date, which began at 6 p.m., has us heading home by 7 p.m. Going home early feels wrong; after all, it’s not a true date if we’re back before dark. Plus, the kids usually aren’t even asleep yet.
5. Feeling Older
We often finish dinner before others even arrive, feeling tipsy off just a few glasses of wine. As we sit there, we can’t help but notice how out of place we feel among younger patrons ordering trendy drinks. The thought of heading to a lively karaoke bar seems daunting; it’s a clear sign that we’re embracing our “older” status.
6. Spontaneous Shopping
With our early dinner concluded, we often stroll through nearby shops, emboldened by our earlier wine consumption. This can lead to random purchases, such as an assortment of scented candles that we certainly didn’t need. Thankfully, we’re not near a Costco, or things could get out of hand.
7. Home Before 10 p.m.
While our date nights are enjoyable, the realities of parenting two young children leave us drained. Even if we want to stay out late, the kids will be up at the crack of dawn, making it essential to head home and rest. The prospect of an early night in turns out to be quite inviting.
Date nights may have transformed significantly since becoming parents, prompting a need to reassess our table manners and social skills. Perhaps the absence of guidance on this topic in parenting literature speaks volumes. These habits may not be etiquette failures but rather coping mechanisms for our current lifestyle. While they might seem odd, many fellow parents share similar experiences, each with their own unique quirks. Rather than critiquing these habits, it’s better to embrace them and enjoy the moments we have together. After all, before we know it, we’ll be the grandparents reminiscing about the good old days.
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Summary:
Date nights for parents often involve quirky habits shaped by the challenges of parenting. Rapid eating, quick drinking, and spontaneous shopping are some behaviors that emerge from the chaos of family life. Rather than feeling embarrassed about these changes, parents can embrace their new normal and enjoy the moments spent together, understanding that such habits are common among fellow parents.
Keyphrase: Unconventional Parent Date Night Behaviors
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