I have a deep appreciation for my friendships, but when it comes down to it, I prefer spending time with my family above all else. After all, I’ve invested significant time and effort in selecting the partner I want to journey through life with, and he truly is the person I cherish most in the world. Moreover, I’ve dedicated myself to nurturing my children into individuals I genuinely enjoy being around. While we all continue to grow and learn, my choice will always be them.
Frequently, I opt for family time over social outings. For instance, Friday nights are reserved for watching Project Runway Junior and enjoying popcorn together, and yes, we embrace our inner dorks wholeheartedly. Saturday mornings often find me enjoying time with my kids instead of brunching with friends. After a week filled with carpooling, reminding them to tidy up, and encouraging good manners, I crave the joy of simply being with them for even a fleeting moment before they head off again.
There are times I prefer their company because, let’s be honest, being with friends means I have to wear pants. I choose family vacations, too, knowing that even during their most trying moments, I understand them deeply. I can identify who is cranky from hunger or who has had too many sweets. I even know which child is forbidden to remove their shoes in the car and who needs breakfast immediately upon waking. We are attuned to each other’s rhythms and quirks, almost as if they are our own.
I choose my family because they were everything I hoped for, even when I couldn’t articulate those hopes. They understand me completely; they know that I can be cheerful yet silly in the mornings, that I often fall asleep during movies, and that I have a soft spot for peanut butter cups. They recognize my tendencies as a protective, anxious mom when they’re swimming, and they also understand that I dislike being cold and can become irritable in a cluttered environment. They are fully aware of my imperfections yet continue to love me unconditionally.
Despite their lengthy jokes, sticky faces, and off-key singing of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” their presence is far more entertaining than any concert, theatrical performance, or adult film I could attend. Time flies by so quickly; I blinked, and suddenly my son is 10, and my daughter is 5. I’m hesitant to blink again, so I’ll just stand here, propping my eyelids open with toothpicks if necessary.
I relish the fun we have together, whether it’s skiing, traveling, or simply embracing laziness. Those quiet, cozy days filled with movies, books, and snacks on an air mattress are often my favorite. I choose those moments every time. Right now, they choose me too—at least for a little while longer, before they start prioritizing their driver’s licenses and everything else over me, which is a thought that brings a lump to my throat.
I choose them because they are mine. Like any family, we face our challenges, but we navigate them together. I acknowledge that I may miss out on some social events, but this fleeting time with my children is precious, and I’m determined to savor every moment.
For those interested in exploring more about family planning, consider checking out Make a Mom’s guide on at-home insemination kits, as well as Hopkins Medicine for valuable resources related to pregnancy and insemination.
Summary
The author shares her preference for family time over socializing, detailing the joy and understanding within her family dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of cherishing these moments as her children grow up and become more independent.
Keyphrase: family over friends
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