Nice advice from Dogs and Shoes. (Thanks to Kate Harding for the link).
How to stay friends with people with kids when you don’t have kids
August 8, 2013 by blue milk
I realize that this approach probably involves changing your expectations so that you do not become resentful. Which is a process. But the approach is not without benefits. It is generally cheaper than other kinds of going out. You do not have to bother getting dressed up. You get to hang out in possibly cozy envrions. You get to keep your friendships. – See more at: http://www.dogsandshoes.com/2013/08/how-to-stay-friends-when-your-friends-have-kids.html#sthash.caVaz4jU.dpuf
So TRUE!
This was a nice antidote to Dom Knight’s mean-spirited piece in Daily Life through the week: http://www.dailylife.com.au/life-and-love/parenting-and-families/the-six-highly-annoying-habits-of-new-parents-20130808-2rkc9.html
Oh Rebecca, that article you linked is awful! People can be so mean.
I liked that article too, it is pretty much the system that I evolved when all my friends started having kids. I am very happy to come over in the evening and be kicked out at 9pm, because I’m usually a drooping little early bird at the point too. I will say I have absolutely lovely friends-with-kids who often cook for me when I drop in too.
I love the idea and I would be so appreciative if one of my friends invited themselves over for an evening. Unfortunately, I don’t offer the invitation myself. Two main reasons: 1) My kids do not sleep independently. not even close. I am out of commission for no less than one hour in the middle of the evening, on a good day. 2) I’ve given up on housework. just adopted my DH’s-even-lower-than-my-own tidiness standards. If we haven’t been close friends for a decade, you’re probably not getting an invitation. Despite this, if someone invited themselves over, I’d warn them and gladly accept. And do my best to have nice beverages available.
In the meantime, I have managed to negotiate two evenings a week for curling, so I’ve made some very good friends who don’t have children and spend time with them at the club.
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