Let’s be honest: those carefree college days were a blast. My college friends and I created countless unforgettable memories at the local bars. We would spend hours getting ready, sharing outfits, and dreaming about the guys we hoped to meet. When the clock struck 10 p.m., we’d burst out the door, enveloped in a fragrant cloud of perfume and hairspray, ready to dance the night away. We’d stumble back to our dorms at dawn, laughing and slightly tipsy, blissfully ignorant of the consequences of our late-night escapades.
Fast forward two decades, and oh, how the landscape has changed! I now find myself in bed by 10 p.m., my once-toned college figure transformed into something a bit softer. “Ladies’ Night” is a distant memory, but I’m grateful to still connect with my old college pals. Gathering all four of us is a monumental task, thanks to our husbands and a whopping twelve kids between us, not to mention the endless list of responsibilities that come with adulthood.
When we finally managed to hit the town together, we felt like fish out of water. Clad in our cute yet comfy outfits from Kohl’s, we quickly realized just how much had changed. The cost of a beer? A far cry from the $1.50 we used to spend! And what’s with the blaring music? We could hardly hear each other over the noise, making it nearly impossible to catch up or share photos of our kids.
Here are some of the most surprising changes we noticed during our night out:
- Youthfulness Overload: Every girl at the bar looked like she just stepped out of middle school—perfect skin, dazzling smiles, and dresses that left little to the imagination. And those heels? No thanks; I’ll be sticking with my flats.
- The Hipster Trend: What’s with all the lumberjack beards? I honestly can’t keep up.
- Goodbye, Cabs: Gone are the days of hailing a cab on the street. Now, it’s all about those ride-sharing apps that are nearly impossible to navigate in a dimly lit bar.
- Unfamiliar Tunes: The DJ was spinning tracks I didn’t recognize, and when I asked for “Dancing Queen,” I got a bewildered look in return.
- Selfie Culture: Everyone was snapping selfies, perfecting their duck faces, while I was just trying to avoid looking like an awkward mess.
- Social Media Overload: You can’t just enjoy the night anymore; you need to document every moment for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I’m honestly thankful that social media wasn’t a thing when I was in college.
- The New Smoke Break: Back in the day, we hid behind cigarettes. Now, everyone is glued to their phones, and the few smokers have to step outside.
- Bartenders and Expectations: The bartender isn’t pining for your attention anymore; he’s just trying to get through the night like the rest of us.
- The Closing Time Dilemma: “What time does the bar close?” used to mean we were ready to party until the end. Now, it’s more about how soon we can escape back to our comfy yoga pants.
Honestly, I’m okay with leaving those glory days behind. I’ve grown into a more confident and self-assured woman. The idea of navigating late-night bar scenes doesn’t appeal to me at all. If I never have to hold a friend’s hair while she’s sick in a dive bar bathroom again, I won’t mind one bit.
As we embrace the realities of motherhood, raising kids, and managing careers, it’s clear that our nights out are different now. Yet, there’s a sense of comfort in knowing that we’ve evolved and that together, we can still make new memories—even if they look a little different than they used to. For more insights on parenting and life changes, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re considering at-home insemination options, take a look at these reputable kits from Make A Mom, and for more info on fertility, check out this excellent resource here.
Summary
Girls’ nights out have transformed dramatically after having kids, from the carefree fun of college to navigating the complexities of adulthood. While the vibrant nightlife scene remains, it’s filled with new challenges and experiences. Embrace the change and find joy in the new memories created with friends.