I count myself fortunate to have formed some wonderful friendships with fellow moms over the past few years and to maintain connections with old friends, many of whom have also embraced motherhood. I also cherish the bond I share with my family of strong women and amazing sisters who are adept at this mom-life.
So, to all of you lovely friends out there, I want to take a moment to say this—please bear with me, as I hope you can relate to my struggles.
I’m sorry if you feel like I’m not fully present during our conversations. I am listening, I promise! However, I’m also on high alert, listening for the cries of children nearby. Not my own, mind you, but the little one my toddler has chosen to “share” toys with. By “share,” I mean he’s likely to snatch back something he just discarded, because, well, toddlers operate on a different wavelength, don’t they? The most coveted toy is always the one that’s out of reach!
I’m sorry if I’m talking to you but not making direct eye contact. I can see you, really! I’m just also using my peripheral vision to ensure my little one hasn’t turned the coffee shop into his personal jungle gym, preparing to leap off the bookcase onto his peacefully sleeping sibling in the stroller.
I’m sorry if my conversation seems peppered with “Oi, where are you off to, you little rascal!?” I’ll get to the point soon enough, I swear.
I’m just trying to keep track of my adventurous child, who has taken it upon himself to play hide-and-seek without informing me. I often find myself in a mini panic while he’s giggling, blissfully unaware of the heart attacks he’s causing me from his secret box hideout.
I’m sorry if I leap across the room mid-story. I do care about what you’re saying! I’m just also busy teaching my little man about kindness and respect. So yes, I will drag him back to apologize to the little girl he startled during his latest dinosaur impersonation—because not everyone appreciates his fascination with all things prehistoric.
I’m sorry if you call and I can’t pick up, but when I do return your call, I might have to cut it short. Your call means a lot to me! It’s just that, at that moment, my baby decides to have a meltdown. And believe me, it’s not just a simple diaper issue—it’s a full-on eruption, both ends, a true disaster. He’s a mere five months old, yet somehow he knows when it’s prime time for a wardrobe malfunction!
I apologize if you see that I’ve read your message but haven’t replied. I will get back to you, I promise! It’s just that my phone seems to be a magnet for both of my kids, who are attempting to commandeer it for their own YouTube adventures (seriously, if you haven’t looked up Blippi yet, do it for a laugh!).
So, to all my friends reading this—I’m genuinely trying my best to juggle being a good friend while also being a dedicated mom (and ensuring my kids are safe!). We women are remarkable multitaskers, but sometimes life throws us curveballs.
Maybe in a decade, we’ll finally get that peaceful coffee date where we can talk about our lives—our homes, our latest shopping finds, or what nail polish we’re considering next. But who am I kidding? It’ll probably turn into a wine night, with conversations revolving around our kids. Standard procedure!
Summary:
In this heartfelt apology, the author expresses her struggles with balancing friendships and motherhood. She acknowledges the challenges of being present during conversations while managing the chaos of toddler antics and baby meltdowns. Despite her good intentions, she often finds herself distracted, but she hopes her friends understand the challenge of juggling multiple roles. The humor and honesty in her reflections resonate with fellow moms, creating a sense of camaraderie as they navigate the complexities of parenting together.
Keyphrase: Apologies for My Shortcomings as a Friend
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