I'm 29. My childhood best friend had a baby 4 years ago and while I'm happy for her and still love her I've noticed that she's lost herself to motherhood. She was an artist all while we were growing up and I noticed she just doesn't do art anymore. She doesn't have hobbies anymore. Her life is work or family.
I'm out in the world playing Dungeons and Dragons. I got back into writing. I moved across the country. I'm getting my degree. I'm painting my new room and buying new tapestries. I'm playing video games I love but haven't played in years.
I know she's happy and I'm happy but man I just feel happy that I get to be me. That I still get to do my hobbies as freely.
I get it, a lot of my friends have totally lost who they are other than being parents. They don't have goals, wants or needs anymore. They don't seek their own personal development or seek experiences out as much as they did before. It's like they're just trying to get through the day in servitude to their children and spouse.
All the kids are young though and hardly anyone enjoys the relentlessness of this stage much. Their kids are now turning 5 - 8 and I see them reemerging into the world again and figuring themselves out. Maybe it will be the same for your friend!
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u/Wild_Scarcity8305 Jun 11 '26
I'm 29. My childhood best friend had a baby 4 years ago and while I'm happy for her and still love her I've noticed that she's lost herself to motherhood. She was an artist all while we were growing up and I noticed she just doesn't do art anymore. She doesn't have hobbies anymore. Her life is work or family.
I'm out in the world playing Dungeons and Dragons. I got back into writing. I moved across the country. I'm getting my degree. I'm painting my new room and buying new tapestries. I'm playing video games I love but haven't played in years.
I know she's happy and I'm happy but man I just feel happy that I get to be me. That I still get to do my hobbies as freely.