Let’s face it, my 30s are a whole new ballgame compared to my 20s, and while every day brings its own form of excitement—often sticky and chaotic—it’s definitely different than the thrill of late-night mountain biking on a whim. Last Tuesday’s adventure consisted of chasing after my potty-training toddler, hoping to avert yet another near-disaster on the couch.
By the end of the day, I feel completely drained. The thought of going out is often more daunting than appealing. Here are 20 reasons why my evening plans—whether with my spouse or solo—are staying in tonight:
- Finding a babysitter who can handle my toddlers feels like searching for a unicorn.
- I haven’t squeezed into my only pair of heels since my first child was born.
- The messy hair look has lost its charm and isn’t quite fashionable anymore.
- While the idea of going out is tempting, the actual effort involved feels overwhelming.
- My shoes are currently occupied by a brigade of tiny action figures.
- My good jeans are a distant memory; my four-year postpartum muffin top has launched their button into oblivion.
- There’s a Shark Tank marathon on TV.
- I’m just plain exhausted.
- It’s my husband’s turn for bath duty, which means I can enjoy a rare moment of quiet before being summoned to mop up a mini lake of bathwater.
- Planning an escape to the car requires a covert operation worthy of a heist film.
- Slippers definitely aren’t considered appropriate for a night on the town.
- We’ve forgotten how to enjoy a meal without someone hiding under the table.
- There’s an obstacle course of toys and laundry to navigate just to reach the garage.
- Wine at home costs about $4 a bottle, a stark contrast to bar prices.
- When we ask family for a favor, they suddenly come down with a case of the “plague.”
- Most of my makeup has gone missing, except for the few items I found in the crayon box.
- No restaurant offers cozy fleece blankets and couches like my living room does.
- My husband dozed off while reading “Go, Dog, Go!” to the kids.
- We’ve lost the ability to eat warm food while sitting down.
- By 7:45 p.m., I’m already in my pajamas.
Maybe one day I’ll manage to have an exciting night out again. But for now, Shark Tank reruns await, along with popcorn and a budget-friendly box of wine. Plus, I’m pretty sure I just stepped in some toddler pee.
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Summary
Staying in is often the preferred choice for parents, filled with humorous challenges and relatable struggles. The allure of a night out fades when weighed against the comforts of home and the chaos of parenting, making cozy nights in the new normal.