There’s an unspoken bond between moms—a special understanding that comes from shared experiences. Fellow moms are like a secret society where we can vent, seek advice, and share a laugh (or a cry) over the chaos of parenting. They know why you might cut them off mid-sentence—because, let’s face it, you’re just thrilled to chat with another adult and your thoughts can’t help but spill out.
But I must also shout out to my non-mom friends. They are a breath of fresh air, reminding me that I’m more than “just a mom” and helping me appreciate the fact that I have little hands tugging at me all day long. They offer a different perspective, one that encourages me to embrace my individuality.
That said, if you don’t have kids, some of the struggles of parenthood might be lost on you. Sure, they empathize and say they understand, but until you’re in the trenches, it’s hard to grasp the reality. For example:
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I say: “Man, I’m exhausted today.”
They hear: “I could use a nice, long nap.”
I mean: “I need a two-week getaway in a hotel, complete with HBO and a Costco-sized stash of cookies!” -
I say: “Junior finally slept through the night!”
They hear: “Junior slept 9 hours straight.”
I mean: “Junior napped for three hours, woke up for a nursing session, then dozed off for another four. It’s a miracle!” -
I say: “Can I get you a snack?”
They hear: “Should I whip something up really quick?”
I mean: “Would you like a graham cracker or some fruit snacks?” -
I say: “I can’t wait for my kids to start school.”
They hear: “I’m looking forward to their education.”
I mean: “I’m so hyped for a few hours of peace five days a week!” -
I say: “My kids are getting picky eaters.”
They hear: “My kids don’t eat their veggies.”
I mean: “They’ve somehow survived on just bread and milk for three days!” -
I say: “Sorry about the mess.”
They hear: “I haven’t cleaned up today, but being a great mom takes time.”
I mean: “Can someone get me a maid for my birthday?” -
I say: “I should let you know I haven’t showered yet.”
They hear: “I’ll shower after the kids go to bed.”
I mean: “I haven’t done more than wash the poop off my hands since last Friday!”
It’s not their fault—they just haven’t walked the path I have. Maybe I should invite them over for a babysitting gig, or maybe a two-week staycation would do the trick! I think I saw a Groupon for a short-term hotel…
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And if you’re curious about more parenting tips, make sure to visit our other blog here!
In summary, while mom friends are irreplaceable, non-mom friends offer a vital perspective that keeps us grounded. They remind us that we are more than just our roles as parents, even if they sometimes miss the mark when it comes to understanding the chaos.