To think there's nothing shocking about a married woman with kids going away with friends?

[Holidayaddict]

Middle aged, married mother of teens here!

I recently went on a European city break with two female friends, one single with no kids, the other in similar situation to myself, if relevant. It was very sensible - sightseeing and a few nice meals & drinks.

I happened to mention it to elderly neighbour who looked shocked and said "and your DH was happy with that?" and said that her husband would never have allowed it. I took it with a pinch of salt given her age when she then said that her daughter in law had done similar and her son (in his 40s) was not happy at all but let her go in the end. I made a mental note that her son must be a chauvenist and forgot about it.

Then, a few days later, I met with a friend who is the same age as me and has kids in their late teens and early 20s. Subject of my trip came up and she seemed genuinely shocked and said her husband would not be happy at all if she did that. I said that was ridiculous, that my husband had no problem and I didn't expect otherwise. I half seriously suggested that we organise something ourselves but her reaction told me it was an absolute no no!

I have to say I was shocked by these attitudes in this day and age! Surely this isn't the norm amongst middle aged men, or is it?

One of my best friends and I went away for a week when her twins were 2 and her DH was fine - but then they both worked shifts so he did his share anyway.

On another different trip another friend had a relatively new boyfriend who kept ringing and when she didn't answer once, he rang me! He'd even asked me to make sure she didn't drink too much Credit to her, she's never given in to him and he has loosened up over the years.

I would pity the people who can’t do this! Of course it’s normal to go away!

With my husband's encouragement, I took several solo multi week backpacking trips.
People's reactions bemused me. And yes, lots of people surprised or thinking me lucky because he 'let' me go.

Our kids were late teens so mum disappearing for three weeks at a time wasn't an issue for them.

I’m 46, married with kids. I’ve been away with girlfriends for weekends away a number of times, including abroad, and my DH has also been away with his mates too.

It’s probably a generation thing with your neighbours, which obviously their son agrees with. ‘He let her go in the end’ comment ... she doesn’t need his permission!