“Just one more,” I asserted with a smile, no different from how I might declare it over dessert. My partner, Jake, and I recently took our first overnight trip away from our three children to attend a friend’s wedding out of state. It was a six-hour drive, and the quiet felt almost surreal compared to our usual family chaos filled with cries of, “She’s touching me!” and “I need a snack!”
On this trip, however, we enjoyed a peaceful drive, filled with meaningful conversation and laughter. I found myself stealing bites of Jake’s bagel, despite having insisted I wasn’t hungry. It’s remarkable how soothing it can be to share both silence and dialogue with someone you cherish.
During the wedding ceremony, instead of juggling a child on my lap or trying to appease anyone next to us, Jake had his arm comfortably draped over my leg, and we sat closely, savoring the moment. At dinner, we shared hearty laughs with fellow parents, reminiscing about the ups and downs of family life, sometimes laughing so hard that we were brought to tears.
As the night progressed, we sipped “just one more” drink and danced with abandon. This evening was a celebration of the nine years I’d spent either pregnant or breastfeeding, a decade during which our focus had shifted primarily to our children. But tonight was about reconnecting as a couple, about embracing our identities beyond parenthood.
We reveled in the freedom from the anxiety of parenting—the ability to enjoy ourselves without the constant need to referee disputes or respond to urgent calls for help. Surrounded by wonderful women who seemed to appear in my life at just the right moment, I laughed so much that my sides ached. It was a delightful pain, one I desperately needed.
Each time we said it would be our last drink, we found ourselves ordering “just one more.” We danced until our feet ached, each song igniting fond memories. A night away can work wonders for your marriage and a mother’s overall well-being. It turns out that adults also crave those little indulgences—“just one more” drink, hour, or song—just as much as our kids do.
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Summary:
Taking time away from parenting responsibilities, like a night out with your partner, can rejuvenate your relationship and improve overall well-being. Embracing moments of joy and laughter, free from the usual stresses of family life, is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in your life as a parent.