I’m well aware that my 20s are supposed to be all about letting loose, having a fun and partying with my friends. Trust me, I have no problem looking for a good time — I simply refuse (in most cases) to do it on Friday night. Call me lame, call me anti-social, or call me a grandma — it doesn’t bother me. There are plenty of reasons I prefer to keep to myself at the end of the week. Here are just a few:
- I’m exhausted. By the time Friday rolls around, I’ve endured (at least) five days and 40 hours of energy draining office time. Frustration with my boss, annoyance with clients and drama with coworkers leave me feeling like I got hit by a bus multiple times in a row. My feet hurt, my brain hurts and the last thing I want to do when I finally plop down on my couch is get up again, let alone put on makeup and some cute shoes. After working so hard all week, I think I deserve a night off!
- Budgeting in a thing. Except for the occasional drink covered by the sleazy guy at the bar, going out every weekend is an expensive habit. Between the alcohol, the food and the cover charges, one great night can rack up quite the tab. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer to save my money and spend it on things that are a bit more practical.
- I can socialize at home. I have plenty of friends, I have no trouble making more and I know how to have a good time. Not going out doesn’t mean I can’t still be a social butterfly. There is such a thing as friends coming over my apartment to relax, or renting a movie with a couple girls. What’s better than wine, gossip and a movie from your own couch? Not much, in my opinion.
- My self-worth isn’t tied to my Snapchat views. I pride myself on not caring what people think of me, and that means I don’t need to go out just to say that I did. The “pics or it didn’t happen” mentality lends itself nicely to perfectly posed snap stories of everyone’s social lives. But I know that looks can be deceiving, so I don’t need to post my every move for the world to see. I’d rather enjoy an undocumented night than craft something fake to impress other people.
- Sleep isn’t just preferable, it’s necessary. I’m not one of those people who’d rather get a decent about of sleep but is willing to sacrifice some shut eye for a good time. When I don’t get enough sleep, I’m a miserable monster. I’m cranky, I’m clumsy, and I’m not fun to be around. Late nights out on the town require sleeping in the next day, or at the very least, the option for a nap mid-afternoon. Since that’s not always possible, it’s easier to get a hefty night’s sleep on Friday so I can actually enjoy the rest of my weekend.
- I know who my real friends are. I learn a lot about people by how they react when I pass on plans. If they keep asking even though I usually say no, I’m confident that they want me to feel included. If they never reach out again, that’s good to know too because it says they didn’t really want me there to begin with. My closest friends will even offer to stay in with me.
- I’ll make an exception if it’s worth it. Just because I prefer to lay low on Friday nights doesn’t mean I won’t break my rule to take part in special occasions. I know that sometimes things will come up that I don’t want to miss out on, and I have no problem changing up my routine so that I can participate.
- Alone time is crucial for my sanity. I don’t know about you, but without a bit of peace and quiet, I would go positively insane. I love my friends and I thrive being around other people, but sometimes I need to be alone to recharge. Sitting down with a good book, an open journal or a new series to binge watch on Netflix does wonders for my mental health.
- Saturday is not Friday. Don’t assume that since I like to stay in for a chill Friday night that I’m not game to rally on Saturday. In fact, it’s relaxing the night before that is often the only reason I can afford (literally and figuratively) to have a great time the next day.
- I’m happy with my routine. I don’t judge other people for partying Thursday through Sunday, so give me the same courtesy. It may not be your style, but it works for me.
