by MIA FREEDMAN
This week I flew interstate for a meeting and accidentally stayed for three days. How very rockstar of me. But as much as I’d like to think myself capable of such behaviour, I wasn’t on a bender. I haven’t done that since 1998 when I had such a big weekend with two girlfriends, I can only dimly recall it. Something, something, tequila, laughing, something, dancing to Kylie, tequila, something, the end. HEADACHE.
When I went AWOL this week, the only illicit substance involved was solitude. Great delicious chunks of it. Since starting a family, being alone has become a precious commodity. The less solo time I have, the more I crave. And that’s how I came to run away from home. If you’re in any position to do so, I highly recommend it. Each day I’d call my husband and say “I think I want to stay another night”. And I did.
That first night, I slept ridiculously well. It was the kind of sleep people should write poems about. Songs should be sung. Gold medals awarded. That good.
I now understand why some people try to buy beds from hotels. ‘If I could just take this magic bed home, I could sleep that well every night!’ they think.
Fools. It’s not the bed. It’s your head. There’s a level of relaxation I inhabit when I’m away – even on work trips – that’s just not possible at home. Here, every moment alone feels like I’m stealing time from my family. First I feel guilty. Next, resentful about the guilt. As my husband would say “Lord, it’s complicated being you.” He’s not wrong.
Top Comments
Mia, I totally get this! When I first got divorced I hated being away from my kids, but after a while I realised how reenergised I was when they came home. Since their father died I have had the children 24/7. They are teenagers now but still require full time parenting! Now the dogs want to be in the bathroom with me and its like having toddlers all over again! I'm literally exhausted and feel guilty for now wanting that time to myself again, for a week....
Mia, this article keeps me sane - I read it about once a week - thankyou thankyou thankyou!