people with kids having friends without kids.

January 12, 2012 12:56am CST
Recently I stopped talking to my best friend of 8 years. I descovered its verry difficult to maintain a friendship with her because she does not understand that my time isn't my own anymore. She would get so mad that I couldn't hang out or that I would rather stay home than pack up two kids just so we could go walk around at the mall. She took it as a personal insult that I would want to spend time with my husband more than her when he had a day off. I tried several times to explain that my priorities have changed but she seems unable or unwilling to understand from my point of view. She would continually say I was a bad friend and other hurtful things. Despite all this I do miss her after all we were friends for a long time. So what I want to know is, is this kind of relationship possible? How do other people make it work, or do I have to just cut ties and move on? Opinoins anyone?
2 people like this
8 responses
@ritanoot (123)
• Israel
12 Jan 12
Its individualy i didn't have kids but lot of my friends have kids for me its not a problem. I know that they life is not the mines so when you respect the other side its not a problem.
1 person likes this
@lafavorito (2959)
• Philippines
12 Jan 12
Yes it is possible. I'm the first one who had a baby in our group. I've known my best friends since we were 13, we went in separate ways for a a few years during college but after that we're together again. When I had my baby, I was out of the loop for a year. I kept on ditching them, always saying that I need to be with my son and husband, that I have different priorities now and that I don't have time to go to bars. They got upset with me for a while and I just told them that I need for them to understand that I'm still adjusting to my new responsibilities as a mom and wife. I promised that I'll go with them as soon as my son got into a feeding and sleeping routine. My husband urged me to go out with my friends because he saw how unhappy I am when I miss my friends. I set up a schedule to see my friends at least once a month and everyone knows that schedule. My friends on the other hand adjusted their schedules for me. If ever they want to meet me outside the scheduled "girls day out" they would simply ask me to go out for coffee so that I can bring my son along. They would take turns helping me with my son. I suggest for you to talk to your husband so that he can help you decide which days you can meet your friend. A little "ME TIME" is always good for any mother.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
14 Jan 12
Unfortunately especially when women are younger, they do not understand this, and think even women with kids should be able to run anywhere and anytime just like a Single person is able too, and that all it takes is putting on coats and getting out the door. But it is so much more, and if you had to do this to someone who does not have kids, and does not understand hopefully one day they will understand, even if they never have any of their own. I was never able to carry any of mine Full term, otherwise I would have kids, but I do respect women with kids, and let their kids come first if need be, but also try to plan things with them to include their kids when I can as well. For me, a Mom should always be about their kids first.
@youless (112100)
• Guangzhou, China
13 Jan 12
I can totally understand you because I have a child, too. In fact I don't have much more spare time for myself. Being busy at work in daytime and I also need to take care of my child and do some housework when I go home at night. So I hardly even just make a call to my friends. Sometimes I just prefer to send emails and leave messages to keep in touch. A person who doesn't have a child will never understand how life it is to have a child. It is totally different and it is not easy. As to your case, you should know it is not your fault. Your friend is just inconsiderate. I love China
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
12 Jan 12
I think it's really hard for people who don't have kids to understand people that have. They don't see it from our point of view. Although they still see us from the time when we were still free from responsibilities, they don't realize that responsibilities do take up our time. That's why parents find other parents too, and start new friendships with them.
@arjunm (439)
• India
13 Jan 12
You could't cut off or move on from your friends who is your childhood friend. you just try to understand her that a personal life you have. your friend who is your childhood partner she definitely realize into the matter.
• United States
12 Jan 12
I think as people grow up and they change some people do not like change and they are use to the way things use to be. My situation is different from yours because I actually have a lot of friends who are married with kids so I understand about time availability and such. A lot of my activities include going out with their kids or going to their sporting events and sometimes the person just has to accept that. I do have a boyfriend with a stepdaughter and there are times I want to go out or just spend time with him and its hard because we have her around. People do grow up and sometimes grow apart because of reasons like this.
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
12 Jan 12
It's normal for friends to feel bad when the priorities of a married friend suddenly changed. WHen my best friend got married I actually feel a bit jealous because I know that her priorities will be with her family especially now that she has a kid. I know that I cannot easily ask her to come with me somewhere on weekends. But then since I am not actually fond of going out a lot so I never had any problems with that. In fact sometimes she is the one asking me to see her or come with her and her baby. And I usually am the one who will say no. I guess you can still try to make your best friend understand your situation. Try to talk to her in a serious but kind manner. If she gets upset, try to still be calm. Maybe she has very few friends and it hurts that she no longer has any friends like you for her to talk with and go with.