There’s no denying it: I had a blast during my college years. My college friends and I created unforgettable memories in the bars around campus; let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of dancing on tables—maybe even more than a few times.
We spent our evenings getting ready while blasting our favorite tunes, sharing outfits, and strategizing about the guys we hoped to meet. As soon as the clock struck 10 p.m., we’d step outside, enveloped in a cloud of perfume and hairspray, ready for a night full of laughter and fun. We’d party until dawn, stumbling back to our dorms, slightly tipsy and reminiscing about the night’s escapades. Strangely, no matter how much we drank, mornings always seemed manageable, often salvaged by a greasy breakfast at a nearby diner.
Oh, how those days have faded into the past! Fast forward two decades, and my late-night escapades are no longer a reality. Now, I’m typically tucked into bed by 10 p.m., and my once-toned physique has transformed into something softer. Nights out with my college pals have become rare, yet we manage to gather occasionally, despite the myriad of responsibilities—spouses, kids, jobs, and school activities—that fill our lives.
When we finally got together for a night out, it became painfully clear that things have changed since our glory days. Here’s a rundown of what to expect when you reunite with your old friends for a night on the town:
- Youthful Faces Everywhere: It feels like every girl at the bar could pass for a teenager. Their flawless skin and toned limbs put us to shame, and those sky-high heels? No, thank you! #OldEnoughToBeYourMom #WaitIAm
- The Beard Trend: Yes, hipster beards are a thing now. Just roll with it. #Lumbersexual
- No More Hailing Cabs: Forget waving down a taxi; now it’s all about using an app—good luck seeing your phone in that dim light! #BringBackTheYellowCab #IJustWantToGoHome
- Music Evolution: You’ll likely not recognize a single song the DJ spins, and don’t bother asking for your favorite classics; they might give you a blank stare. #BornInThe70s #FeelTheBeatFromTheTambourine
- Selfie Culture: Taking selfies has become an art form. You earn points for duck faces and showing off cleavage, but I often just end up looking ridiculous. #Cringeworthy #DuckFaceFail
- Social Media Overload: Gone are the days of simply enjoying the moment. Now, you must check in on Facebook, tweet the DJ, and Instagram your group selfie—thankfully, Facebook wasn’t around during my college years. #ExhaustedMom #IDontKnowHowToSnapchat
- Tech Over Tobacco: Instead of hiding behind a cigarette, everyone’s now glued to their phones. Those who do smoke are stuck outside. #TheMoreYouKnow #SecondhandSmoke
- Dismissed by Bartenders: The bartender isn’t eyeing you for a late-night encounter anymore. #TrueStory
- Closing Time: Once, asking about closing time meant you were in it for the long haul. Now it’s just a countdown to when you can get back to your cozy yoga pants. #LululemonOrBust
It’s safe to say my wild days are behind me, and that’s perfectly fine. I’m more content in my own skin now, with no need to impress anyone with my footwear. My younger self, filled with insecurities and financial struggles, has blossomed into a confident woman with a bit more stability. Honestly, if I never have to hold a friend’s hair while she’s sick in a bar restroom again, I’ll be just fine. Because let’s be real: the hangovers just aren’t worth it anymore.
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Summary: Girls’ Night Out inevitably transforms after becoming a mother, with changes ranging from the younger crowd at bars to the overwhelming presence of social media and technology. While nostalgia for carefree nights remains, the evolution brings a newfound appreciation for comfort and stability in life.