How often do you socialise?

[Eggandcresssandwich]

Regular poster, have NC. If you have children, am wondering how often you go out socially? I go out with friends around once a week which feels like too much but would like some context. I also wfh full time maybe that’s why I feel guilty

What's a child free night out sorry? 😂 a couple in 7 years.... But then I'm very happy in my own company and after the constant noise of the day, the peace downstairs once they are asleep is utter bliss.

Parents of two, one is under 5.

Child free 'date night' with my husband... About once a year on average since having our children. We manage a meal out or a night at the theatre /a gig. Twice in 2023! But these were our first date nights since pre pandemic.
Child free separately - I go running with a running club twice a week, does that count?
My husband meets up with a group of friends in London about 2 times a year.

Ok now once a week is sounding like a lot, as well as feeling like a lot! I think maybe I’m trying to juggle too many friendship groups, I seem to have collected a couple of friends that I’ve stayed in contact with, from each of my last few jobs and it adds up, on top of old school/uni friends, a few mum friends, and feels a bit unmanageable.

its a mix on some days vs weeks

Oh god.

These days? Very rarely. Purely because we have an almost 2 year old and a 14 week old.

Me and DP try to go out every week or so even just for a lunch/dinner or drinks (before we had 14 week old)

Now it's once a month or maybe longer. But both sets of parents have started to encourage us to use the grandparent services for baby sitting so we can have a regular date night which we are thankful for.

I rarely see the girls tbh. But me and the workies tend to meet up once a month.

I'm not too bothered at this phase in my life.

Would much rather meet for a coffee or a lunch date and save the nights out/nights away with DP.

Regularly - our nanny usually looks after the children but sometimes she comes along. It really gives us the flexibility to socialise.

I also host regular parties where we invite lots of people and get caterers in. We allow them to bring their children and get our nanny to supervise in a separate room. Little work for us and lots more opportunity for others to get out of the house.

I have a DS who is 6. I go out with hubby (without DS) about twice a year, I go out with friends about 4 times a year so on average I go out once every 2 months.

About twice a year because DH won’t look after DS (5) on his own. Haven’t had a date night since I was pregnant because we have no one to babysit.

Never, my life has improved massively as a result.

2 young children. Both me and DH do one hour of our sport once a week (different nights) actually out for a meal/drinks with friends. Rarely. We have no help with childcare so already £50 for a babysitter and money is tight

Maybe once every 2 years

I go out once a week on average. I'm a single parent (widowed) and my eldest DC babysits for the tween. When they were younger I got a babysitter. My friends are very important to me - more so now because of my situation. When family life is hard having good friends is vital.
Once a week is fine, OP, if it feels fine to you. Honestly, more would be fine too as long as the children are looked after. They have a father who is capable of taking care of his kids. But it sounds like the issue is more that you feel overstretched? In which case maybe look at the whole of your life rather than just this one thing, to see where you can make changes to make things easier? And maybe think about which of your friends are true friends, and concentrate on nurturing those friendships? Sounds harsh but sometimes you have to let go of people to make space.

About once a month. I have a 5 year old and recently turned 2 year old. Even before my youngest I cba going out every week to socialise.

1-2 per week on average, maybe more to nip
out for an hour for an exercise class, couple
of childfree weekends away per year. Some time for yourself is crucial to sanity in my opinion! DH prefers to chill on the sofa alone than do the same.

I go through spurts.. sometimes I don’t see anyone for ages and I’m just with my family.. other times I am out every weekend for a few weeks off the bat and husband is the same x

Separately as often as we like. Finances primarily dictate how much we both socialise separately.

Together maybe 4 times a year our little one will stay with family for the night. Most the time we'll use the opportunity for a night out together, but sometimes we'll cozy at home together. 'Cozy' largely being a euphemism 🤣

Since having kids, about once a year 🤷🏻‍♀️

Never……haven’t been out for years. 🤔

Oh a work do in the Summer by myself

Twice a month, unless December where there are lots of bdays.

WFH too. Went out Saturday night got in approx 2am.... feel wrecked still (honestly). 39 years young!

It varies week to week. I might socialise three times in one week or not socialise for a month.

This is such good advice thank you!

That’s part of the issues isn’t it, one night out late 30s/early 40s has to include recover period too!

I work FT as does DH. I usually socialise at lunchtimes as have a slightly longer one due to working long hours. So once a week at least at lunchtime, regular 3 hr walk with best mates at weekend usually morning and once a month out for dinner or bday with friends. Different sets of friends though.