"Some completely lost their own identity. The 'mom' hat went on, and that was all they were. While I absolutely understand (and agree) that your kids should be your priority. A lot of these women now have older teens/young adults and are completely lost and angry in their relationship with themselves, their spouses, and others. Some only wanted a babysitter, and that was literally the only time I could get a text back."
"Some just felt I couldn't relate to them anymore and focused more on their mom friend groups. Two were straight-up judgmental about my own childfree life and the things I prioritized. They took me doing something like taking a solo vacation, joining a book club, getting a new hobby, or having time/money for a spa day as an attack. Most were a combination of these."
Most friendships with parents eroded over decades as parenting roles, priorities, and social circles shifted. Many friends abandoned previous identities in favor of an all-consuming 'mom' role, later expressing frustration and disconnection in personal relationships. Others sought occasional babysitting and responded only when a child-care need arose. Some changed social focus to mom-only friend groups. Two friends became openly judgmental about living childfree and resented leisure choices like solo vacations, hobbies, book clubs, or spa days. Repeated cancellations, one-sided conversations, lack of availability or interest, and assumptions about unlimited free time produced emotional distance and uncertainty about repairing these long-standing friendships.
Read at BuzzFeed
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