Ah, college days—the carefree nights spent dancing and creating unforgettable memories with friends. My college roommates and I sure made the most of those evenings out at the local bars, and I won’t deny I danced on more than a few tables.
We’d spend hours getting ready, blasting our favorite tunes, sharing outfits, and dreaming about the guys we hoped to meet. By 10 p.m., we’d burst out of our dorms, enveloped in a cloud of hairspray and excitement. Nights were filled with laughter, dancing, and a little too much to drink, and somehow, we always bounced back in the morning, fueled by greasy diner breakfasts.
Fast forward 20 years, and oh, how things have shifted! Nowadays, I’m tucked into bed well before midnight, and my youthful figure has transformed into something softer. It’s clear that traditional Ladies’ Night is a distant memory for me.
Fortunately, I still connect with my college pals, and occasionally we manage to carve out a precious night for nostalgia. However, coordinating our schedules is no small feat with four husbands and twelve kids among us, alongside our demanding jobs and kid-related activities.
Recently, we reunited for a night out, and let me tell you, it was an eye-opener. Here are some changes we noticed that you should brace yourself for when you get the chance to catch up with your own college friends:
- The Age Gap: Every girl in the bar looked like she was fresh out of middle school, sporting perfect skin and impossibly high heels. I’ll stick to my comfy flats, thank you very much. #OldEnoughToBeYourMom
- Hipster Trends: Beards are everywhere—what’s up with that? Just roll with it. #Lumbersexual
- Hailing a Ride: Forget waving down a cab; now you’re fumbling with an app in the dim light. Seriously, why can’t bars just turn up the lights? #BringBackCabs
- What’s Playing?: The DJ spun tracks that were completely foreign to us. Asking for a classic like ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” earned me a puzzled look. #BornInThe70s
- Selfie Culture: Everyone’s snapping selfies, complete with duckfaces and cleavage shots. Unfortunately, I look more like Donald Duck, and let’s be honest, no one needs to see that. #JustSayNoToDuckface
- Social Media Pressure: Gone are the days of simply enjoying a good time; now you must check-in on Facebook, tweet about the DJ, and upload videos for your friends. Thank goodness social media didn’t exist when I was younger! #ExhaustedMom
- Phones Over Cigarettes: While we once hid behind clouds of smoke, now everyone is glued to their phones. Those who still smoke have to step outside. #TheMoreYouKnow
- Bartender Interest: The bartender isn’t looking to impress you anymore—it’s a different vibe entirely. #TrueStory
- Closing Time: “What time does the bar close?” used to mean “I’m staying until last call!” Now, it means “How much longer until I can get home and switch into my comfy pants?” #LululemonOrBust
It’s safe to say my wild days are long gone, and I’m perfectly okay with that. I feel more confident in my own skin and no longer care if my shoes are sky-high. My younger self has evolved into a self-assured woman, and frankly, if I never have to hold a friend’s hair back during a bathroom visit again, I’m all for it. Because let’s be honest: the hangovers just aren’t worth it anymore.
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Summary: Navigating the changes of a girls’ night out after having kids can be a surprise. From the new crowd and trends to the pressure of social media, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Embracing these changes means recognizing the joys of growing up while still cherishing those unforgettable nights with friends.