I adore date nights—whether it’s a night out or a daytime escape, it doesn’t matter as long as I’m with my partner and the kids are safely at home. However, during our most recent outing, I noticed some peculiar behaviors we’ve adopted since becoming parents. Despite the plethora of parenting books and websites available, none seem to address the social quirks that come with raising children. Our social etiquette has taken a hit, and I can only imagine what strangers think when they see us. Here are some of the odd habits I’ve observed:
1. We Devour Our Meals
Every time my partner and I dine out, we find ourselves finishing our food at record speed. It’s not quite competitive eating, but it’s close. Onlookers might be appalled at our lack of manners. This isn’t entirely by choice; it’s a result of our chaotic family dinners, where food is often a battleground of rejected items and constant requests for ketchup. We’ve learned to eat in quick bursts, and the clock is always ticking. Once the kids are done, so are we.
2. We Chug Our Drinks
Much like our meals, our wine consumption is rapid. At home, a glass of wine could take me an hour to finish due to interruptions, but out at a restaurant, it vanishes quickly. It’s a rare treat to enjoy a drink without distractions, but sometimes it leads to a headache the next day or a sudden rush of youthful exuberance. This isn’t always a good thing.
3. We Snap Selfies for Social Media
While I’m not a huge fan of selfies and don’t own a selfie stick, date nights somehow always seem to end in a quick photo session. With my hair done and makeup applied, I feel the urge to document this rare moment away from the kids. Maybe it’s a bit of bragging, or perhaps it’s a way to remind ourselves that we’re more than just “Mom” and “Dad.” Regardless, it’s a strange habit we’ve developed.
4. Dinner Ends Early
After finishing a bottle of wine and indulging in a hearty meal, we often find ourselves looking at the clock—it’s only 7 p.m. Our date began at 6, and going home feels premature. It doesn’t quite feel like a proper date if we’re back home before dark, especially with the kids still awake.
5. We Feel Out of Place
Our dinner is often finished before many patrons even arrive. A couple of glasses of wine leave us feeling tipsy, and there we are, the older couple at the bar, ordering drinks we can’t even pronounce. It’s amusing to contemplate heading to a karaoke bar, but the thought of loud music only reinforces how old we feel.
6. We Make Impulse Buys
With dinner finishing so early, and knowing we’re too tired for a late-night adventure, we often stroll through shops. Without kids in tow, it’s amusing to browse and, yes, make random purchases. My husband and I have accumulated a few gigantic, overly scented candles as evidence of these escapades. Thank goodness Costco isn’t nearby!
7. We’re Home Before 10 p.m.
While our date nights are enjoyable, the truth is that parenting young kids is exhausting. Even when we have the energy to let loose, our little ones wake up before dawn, and they expect us to be functional. If I’m honest, heading to bed early has become a delightful routine.
Date nights certainly aren’t what they used to be, and maybe it’s time to refine our table manners and overall social skills. But let’s be real—this is just where we are in life right now. Perhaps these so-called “bad habits” are merely coping strategies. They may seem odd, but I see them as a reflection of the shared experiences among fellow parents navigating their own date nights. Instead of critiquing these habits, I’ll embrace them because before I know it, I’ll be the old lady at the table fumbling with her dentures.
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Summary
Date nights for parents can be filled with quirky habits that arise from the chaos of raising children. From fast meals and quick drinks to early bedtimes and impulse shopping, these behaviors are a reflection of the current parenting phase. Instead of worrying about etiquette, embracing these unique experiences can lead to newfound enjoyment in adult outings.