I absolutely cherish date night—whether it’s a romantic dinner or a leisurely brunch; just being out with my partner while the kids are at home is blissful. However, I’ve come to notice some peculiar habits we’ve developed since becoming parents. It’s astounding that while there are countless resources on parenthood, few touch on how it affects our social skills. Our etiquette has taken a nosedive, and our ability to manage social time seems to have vanished. I can’t help but wonder what others think when they see us—it can’t be flattering.
Here are a few of the quirky habits I’ve observed:
- We Devour Our Meals
Whenever my partner and I dine out, it’s as if we’re racing against the clock. We’re not competitive eaters, but we finish our food alarmingly quickly. In our home, mealtime is a whirlwind of demands, distractions, and negotiations—getting the kids to eat is a challenge that often leaves us with only fleeting moments to enjoy our own meals. So, when we finally get a night to ourselves, old habits die hard, and our plates are cleaned in no time. I always cringe thinking about how this must look to others. - We Chug Our Wine
This habit isn’t deliberate either. At home, a glass of wine lasts ages with all the interruptions, but when we finally get out, it disappears much quicker. It’s a special treat, and while it’s enjoyable, sometimes it leads to an unpleasant morning after. I find myself reminiscing about my carefree 20s, which can lead to some regrettable decisions. - We Snap and Share Selfies
I’m not usually a big fan of selfies, nor do I own a selfie stick. Yet, date night always seems to prompt a photo op. I finally look presentable, and I can’t resist capturing the moment. Maybe we’re trying to show off or maybe we just want to remind ourselves that we are more than just “Mom” and “Dad.” Whatever the reason, one of us inevitably shares our rare moment of fun online. - Dinner Ends Early
Despite indulging in a bottle of wine and enjoying our meal, we often find ourselves ready to leave by 7 p.m.—just an hour after our date began. It’s a tough realization: returning home before dark doesn’t feel like a proper date, and the kids are still awake, eager for our attention. - We Feel Older
We might polish off our meals faster than most couples, and after just a couple of glasses of wine, the reality hits—we’re not the young party-goers we used to be. As we look around, we can’t shake the feeling that we’ve become the older crowd in the restaurant, discussing plans that seem too loud and rowdy for us now. - We Make Impulse Buys
With our evening still young and dinner wrapped up early, we often stroll into nearby shops. It’s surprisingly entertaining, especially after a few drinks. Our home is now filled with random purchases, including an array of oddly scented candles. Thank goodness there’s no Costco nearby! - We’re Home by 10 p.m.
Even though our date nights are enjoyable, the reality of parenting kicks in. With two little ones under the age of five, exhaustion takes over. No matter how much fun we have, we always find ourselves heading home early, knowing that the kids will wake us up before dawn. Honestly, going to bed early feels fantastic.
Date nights have certainly evolved over the years. Perhaps we should refine our table manners and social skills, but honestly, this is simply the phase of life we’re in right now. It might be why parenting books overlook these quirks—they’re not just bad habits; they’re coping mechanisms. Sure, they’re a bit odd, but we’re not alone; every parent has their own unique set of behaviors during their outings. Instead of critiquing these habits, I choose to embrace them. Before I know it, I’ll be the quirky old woman who removes her dentures at the table.
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In summary, our date nights may look different now, but they are filled with unique experiences. The habits we’ve formed reflect our current lifestyle as parents, and while they might seem strange, they’re just part of our journey.