So I'm a relatively new parent - within the last two years. As all of you who are parents know, life changes. It changes suddenly, of course, but it also starts to change over the long-term as your lifestyle segways.
Anyway, I'm just curious to hear some thoughts on how the transition went for others, particularly with friends who aren't married or, in particular, don't have children.
Example:
This coming Sunday, I'm going to an NFL game with my younger brother. He texted and asked if I'd be interested, the day before, in going to another sporting event, as well. I texted back, "Can't do it. I'm already doing something the weekend before with friends. Can't spend that much time away."
His response: "Man up."
He was joking, so I can't get mad at him for being insensitive, but the implication was clear: I'm turning into a henpecked husband who doesn't drink it up with the fellas any more.
On another recent weekend, I left a friend's place on a Saturday morning after an overnight visit and told him I had to get home. His response: "She's the boss." And this is a guy who always says stuff like this, not in a mocking tone, but in a way that is supposed to convey empathy. Which is weird to respond to. When you're in a family, you put your family first. Bottom line.
I'm reminded of that scene in the first season of "Louie," where he has a classmate of his daughters over for the playdate. The mom says, "You're a great dad. You're in the same room with them. That puts you ahead of 99 percent of men. Dads mostly suck."
Anyway, just curious if others have experienced the peer pressure to, well, suck at being a husband and dad. I kind of like settling into this stage of my life. But the late 20s and early 30s are a time when not everyone has yet, and it can be awkward with friendships. How do you guys respond? Even besides peer pressure, did you find the transition difficult? Rewarding?
Anyway, I'm just curious to hear some thoughts on how the transition went for others, particularly with friends who aren't married or, in particular, don't have children.
Example:
This coming Sunday, I'm going to an NFL game with my younger brother. He texted and asked if I'd be interested, the day before, in going to another sporting event, as well. I texted back, "Can't do it. I'm already doing something the weekend before with friends. Can't spend that much time away."
His response: "Man up."
He was joking, so I can't get mad at him for being insensitive, but the implication was clear: I'm turning into a henpecked husband who doesn't drink it up with the fellas any more.
On another recent weekend, I left a friend's place on a Saturday morning after an overnight visit and told him I had to get home. His response: "She's the boss." And this is a guy who always says stuff like this, not in a mocking tone, but in a way that is supposed to convey empathy. Which is weird to respond to. When you're in a family, you put your family first. Bottom line.
I'm reminded of that scene in the first season of "Louie," where he has a classmate of his daughters over for the playdate. The mom says, "You're a great dad. You're in the same room with them. That puts you ahead of 99 percent of men. Dads mostly suck."
Anyway, just curious if others have experienced the peer pressure to, well, suck at being a husband and dad. I kind of like settling into this stage of my life. But the late 20s and early 30s are a time when not everyone has yet, and it can be awkward with friendships. How do you guys respond? Even besides peer pressure, did you find the transition difficult? Rewarding?
