Since becoming a parent, I’ve built a whole new circle of friends who have helped me navigate this chaotic journey. One of the most surprising aspects of motherhood has been the challenge of forging and sustaining friendships. Factors like nap schedules, parenting styles, and sheer exhaustion can significantly impact potential mom-friendships.
I thought I’d left the concept of deal-breakers behind when I found my partner, but entering the realm of mom friendships has forced me to draft a new list of “no-goes”:
Your Child is a Bully.
You seem fantastic. Our chats are enjoyable, and we share similar interests, but your child is turning the playground into an MMA ring. I admire your son’s strength, but his bullying behavior is concerning. Joking about entering him into a Strongman competition after he tossed my son across the swings is not amusing. While I believe kids should learn to resolve conflicts independently, your child isn’t exactly playing nicely with others.
The Naptime Conundrum.
After a lot of effort, I finally got my kids to nap from 1:15 pm to 1:35 pm, a maximum of three times a week. If they resist napping, they have “quiet time” in their rooms, which often devolves into slamming doors and a tornado of books. Did you say your child is still taking two long naps? Excuse me while I weep in the corner. I’m genuinely envious that you have that much time to yourself! I typically head to the park after quiet time, so let me know if your kid transitions to one nap, and we can plan to meet.
Too Exhausted for Happy Hour.
Do you enjoy happy hour? So do I! Before kids, I was a happy hour aficionado. Nowadays, I pour myself a glass of wine at home and brace myself until my partner returns at 6 pm. I like to think of this as my personal happy hour. Dinner often involves my kids complaining about the food, so I pour myself another glass. After that, it’s time for the “bedtime hustle,” which entails wrestling my children into pajamas while trying not to lose my cool. Once they’re finally in bed, I savor a moment of tranquility before indulging in chamomile tea, Netflix, and my heating pad.
Your Partner is a Drag.
This isn’t a deal-breaker, but if you frequently voice negativity about your partner, it leaves me wondering how to respond compassionately. My instinct is to shout, “You deserve better!” plus I’m curious how you ended up with someone so disappointing. You’re a great person, but I find it hard to ignore the negativity that seeps into our conversations, especially after your partner was rude to me and my husband during our last outing.
You Were Awesome, But Now You’re Just Negative.
Initially, we had such a blast at the library. Our kids got along well, and you were so upbeat and funny. I was even ready to get us Best Friends necklaces! But during our recent meetups, your negativity has been overwhelming. Are we past the honeymoon phase of our friendship? I’m also concerned you might be complaining about me when I’m not around. Oprah once said, “Only surround yourself with people who take you higher,” and frankly, your sour mood is dragging me down.
To wrap it up, the quest for a mom friend can be tough, but you and I might be a great match. Let’s share our friendship deal-breakers and see if we can establish a lasting connection as we navigate the exciting roller coaster of parenthood. If you want to dive deeper into parenting topics, check out this post on artificial insemination kits that can be helpful for those considering starting a family. Also, for more insights on the journey to parenthood, here’s an excellent resource that discusses IUI success rates.
Summary:
Creating and maintaining mom friendships can be challenging due to various factors like child behavior, naptime schedules, and individual outlooks. It’s essential to establish mutual understanding and positivity to nurture these relationships.