I absolutely cherish date night—or date day, for that matter. As long as I’m out with my partner and the kids are home with a sitter, I’m all smiles. However, I’ve recently observed some peculiar behaviors we’ve picked up since becoming parents. With the plethora of parenting books and online resources, it’s surprising how little attention is given to the impact on our social skills. It’s almost alarming how our social etiquette has taken a backseat. I can only imagine what others must think when they see us—it’s probably not flattering!
Here are some of the odd habits I’ve noticed:
- We Devour Our Meals
Every time my partner and I dine out, we find ourselves scarfing down our food at lightning speed. I’m not talking about competitive eating, but we’re definitely on a fast track. To anyone watching, our lack of decorum might be a bit off-putting. It’s not really on purpose; it’s just how we’ve adapted. Dinner time with the kids is a frantic affair, filled with food battles, demands for ketchup, and constant interruptions. We tend to eat in the midst of chaos, making it hard to savor our meals. Date nights are supposed to be an escape, yet our habits are hard to shake. I cringe thinking about how we must look. - We Chug Our Wine
Similar to our eating habits, our wine consumption isn’t exactly deliberate. At home, a glass of wine takes forever to finish due to all the interruptions. But out, it disappears surprisingly fast. It’s a nice adult treat, but sometimes a little too much is consumed, leading to a headache the next day—or a brief, nostalgic return to our youthful partying days that rarely ends well. - We Snap and Share Selfies
Although I’m not a big fan of selfies and certainly don’t own a selfie stick, date night seems to trigger this urge. With my hair styled and looking decent, I’m tempted to document the occasion. Perhaps it’s a way of showing off, or maybe it’s just a reminder that we’re still more than just “Mom” and “Dad.” Regardless, it’s a given that one of us will post that rare moment of attention-seeking. - Dinner Ends Early
After consuming a bottle of wine and a hearty meal, we’re shocked to find it’s only 7 p.m., even though our date started at 6. Going home feels premature—after all, it’s not a date if you’re back before dark, and the kids aren’t even tucked in yet. - We Feel Ancient
Our meals are finished before others even set out for their evening plans. A couple of glasses of wine in, we’re tipsy and giddy, yet I can’t help but feel out of place, surrounded by youthful revelers. The thought of karaoke pops up, and all I can think is “loud.” Yes, it’s official—I’m getting old. - We Make Impulse Buys
With an early dinner and a touch of liquid courage, we often find ourselves wandering into random shops. Shopping without kids is a novelty, especially after a few glasses of wine. Our collection of oversized, scented candles is proof of our spontaneous purchases. Thank goodness there isn’t a Costco nearby! - We’re Home Before 10 p.m. and Hit the Hay
While our dates are enjoyable, managing two kids under five leaves us utterly exhausted. Even if we had the energy for a wild night out, our early-rising children don’t care about our hangovers. If I’m being honest, an early bedtime is a blessing.
Date nights have certainly evolved since our pre-kid days. Perhaps it’s time to refine our table manners and overall social skills, but honestly, this is just where I am in life right now. Maybe that’s why parenting books skip over this phenomenon; these “quirky habits” might be better viewed as “survival strategies.” They may seem strange, but I’m sure many other parents can relate. Instead of judging these habits, I’ll choose to embrace them, because before I know it, I’ll be the old lady who forgets her dentures at the dinner table.
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In summary, while our date nights may not resemble those carefree evenings of the past, they come with their own unique charm. Embracing these quirky habits is part of the ride of parenthood, and they remind us to find joy even in the chaos.
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