It doesn’t matter if you’re single or with kids, cultivating friendships will always be a necessary part of who you are.
But, finding time to bond with friends can be quite a challenge once you start a family of your own.
One user on theAsianparent Community asked her fellow parents, perhaps out of curiosity, how often they have a "girls night out" and a "boys night out" without their spouse. The answers ranged from "rarely" to "almost never".
But, building strong friendships is essential to our personal growth and development.
Having great friendships can also help you become a better parent.
Why will spending time with friends never lose its importance, even if you’re a parent already?
1. It helps us relax and refocus
The week can drone on and on so we need to let loose once in a while. Getting out and keeping in touch with friends helps remind us of our younger selves.
It helps us to de-stress and blow off steam, allowing us to work through whatever issues we may have in a loving, trusting environment.
2. Personal Face Time
With the advent of various messaging apps and social media platforms, it’s become so easy to replace online conversations with face-to-face ones.
It’s nice for your friends to be the first to “like” your every post, but it’s even better if you get to share post-worthy moments with them.
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More on the importance of taking time out with friends on the next page
3. Fun is necessary
Socializing and dancing are both cathartic. Having fun is still possible even after becoming a parent. It doesn’t have to be at a night club; you can just organize a karaoke night at home and invite your friends over. Or, why not try having a throwback movie night where you can watch all of your favorite movies growing up?
4. Getting dressed up
Dusting off that LBD and slipping on those heels or slipping into a nice shirt and tie once in a while to go out with friends for a nice dinner and drinks works wonders for your self-esteem.
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5. To exercise individuality
All healthy relationships require balance, so spending time with your friends apart from your spouse is so important.
Often, we get lost in all our roles and responsibilities that our growth as a individual takes the back burner.
6. Your friends keep you grounded
True friends aren’t afraid to be frank. They can keep you in check, with love. It’s good to make them a priority in your life because they often know you better than you know yourself; they only want what’s best for you.
Having a night out with friends doesn’t mean you need a break from your spouse, it just means you need time for yourself. Plus: it would be super fun to come home to your partner with new, fun stories to share!
READ: Friendship in marriage: Staying best friends with your spouse
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