Welcome to a new Mamamia series in which mothers anonymously confess to some of the aspects of parenting they can’t say out loud. If you have an Anonymum story of your own (anonymity guaranteed) email it to us at: submissions@mamamia.com.au
I lied to my girlfriends today. I lied to them so I could get out of seeing them next week.
Don’t get me wrong, I love them to bits. I mean, I’ve known them since Alanis was stuck with 10 thousand spoons when all she needed was a knife. But sometimes – well, most of the time these days – I’d rather stay at home with my kids.
Is it just me? Am I the only one who actually enjoys doing this? It sure feels like it.
Today, when my girlfriends were downing their glasses of rosé and cackling about their afternoon of childlessness, they excitedly began talking about “doing this AGAIN next week”.
Wait, what? Again? Next week? But we’re seeing each other now!
So, I stared them straight in the eyes, did my best expression of disappointment and blatantly lied: “ohhhhhhh nooooo! My youngest has a spring dance at his preschool that day.”
Yeah, I wanted to get out of seeing them so badly, I made up the existence of a preschool dance party!
Why would I lie to my Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte (or maybe it’s my Carrie, Miranda and Samantha)? Because I have no other choice. They don’t understand why I, a stay-at-home mum, would rather, stay at home, than hang out with them.
Top Comments
There is nothing wrong with wanting to spend time your family, but you really need to balance that out with time with your friends as well. There will come a day when the kids will longer be at home, you will no longer be able to use them as an excuse, and if you keep using your family now, when that day comes you won't have friends. I love my son and husband to absolute bits, but I still make time for my friends, sometimes we even take our kids to a play ground let them play while we talk.
Absolutely nothing wrong with preferring to spend time in the home. Everybody has different personalities and needs for socialisation. But please don't judge other women who enjoy going out with just their friends or partners. I know you said you don't pass judgement, but the tone of some parts of this article suggest otherwise - especially towards mums more than dads. Mums who prefer to spend Sunday afternoons at home aren't superior to mums who like to spend Sunday afternoons out having fun with friends.