To my friends who are single or don’t have kids yet, I’m a bad friend and I’d like to apologize. Even though I don’t say this enough, I still need you in my life.

Continue inviting me to your girl’s night out.

Continue inviting me to your birthday parties, your weddings and special occasions.

Continue texting me and calling me.  Believe me it’s appreciated more than you know.

If I don’t text back right away – I honestly meant to later on in the day.

If I don’t answer your call, it’s because I have my hands full with a 3 year old whose negotiating skills are in full force. Or it may be because as soon as I get on the phone you’ll hear “Mommy who is that? What are they saying? Mommy I want to talk. Can I have a popsicle? Mommy look at me….”

I realize it may seem very one sided sometimes but I promise to do better.

1Mommy friends are great but sometimes the last thing I want to do is exchange threenager stories. I wouldn’t trade the last 3 ½ years for anything in the world but sometimes this mama needs a break! And I don’t mean going to the grocery store by myself, or spending an hour at the gym a few times a week. I mean a mental break and being around you gives me that.

The friends I need right now are the ones who invite me out and know I may be arriving a little late but are OK with that. There are a million reasons why I’m not on time and none have to do with the fact that I don’t want to spend time with you.

The friends I need are the ones who don’t “forget” I’m a mom, the ones who actually ask how my daughter is doing without fear that she’s all I’m going to talk about. The friends who don’t give me a hard time for skipping out on a happy hour and never ask why I’ve declined the invitation.

Sometimes the real reason I won’t go is because I miss my daughter when I’m at work and can’t wait to see her. The friends who know I may cancel last minute because my daughter is ill and even though daddy can take care of her….she wants mommy. The ones who understand I don’t have family in town to help me when I need it. You fill a void in many ways especially by showing love for my daughter.

I need you NOT to give up on me.  And here is why….

I want to hear about YOUR lives. Your dating adventures, your wild and crazy nights, or when your life comes to a crossroad. I want to cheer you on when you make a career move or take on a new venture. I want to hear the stories of how you met the right girl or guy and remember the excitement of new love. I want you to vent and unload your struggles on me because I’m a great listener. It’s nice to feel needed by others every once in a while.

Being a mom is the greatest blessing in the world but I’m much more than that. Know that when you’re in my shoes in few years (for those of you planning a family), I will be full of cautionary tales and advice. I’m not one of those moms who can perfectly balance it all. Each day comes with new challenges and when I’m trying to get through the day, it’s comforting to know you’re there if I need a little escape. You have created some of the best (friend) memories I have whether at work or just hanging out. Some of us may be miles away from each other now but you are always in my thoughts.

So know that even though I’m overwhelmed and consumed with this thing called parenting, I’m here for you.


 

1 COMMENT

  1. YES!! Friends are more important than anyone gives them credit for! I love living vicariously through my friends on Facebook, but LOVE the random calls and texts. It reminds us that we are more than a mom.

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