Girls Night Out? When is the last time you indulged?
How about this weekend? Does this still take place – not only before marriage, but after?
If we were the Sex and the City girls, we know nights out are routine no matter what, as are the deliciously connective coffee shop get-togethers. And remember – even as those iconic fictional characters matured and paired off, they still made time for their female friendships.
I grant you, most of us don’t live the Manhattan lifestyle we see on film or television. Most of us don’t have an unlimited Ladies Night budget either. So how do we manage to keep up friendships that involve getting together and having fun?
Does Saturday night benefit from special attention – including with our girlfriends?
Are You a Social Animal?
Some of us are more social animals than others. We’re hitting the town solo or with friends at 21 and still happy to do so at 41, even if a little less often.
We socialize for our jobs, we socialize with our partners, we socialize with neighbors and acquaintances because we find it fun!
But keeping our friendships over the years and living up to our family responsibilities may mean the former wanes while the latter takes an increasing amount of time. Add the requirements of work, and socializing may fall by the wayside even if it’s something you adore.
Ah, for that 30-hour day…
I may not be much for wildly noisy and crowded spots generally speaking, but there are times I find these environments very enjoyable. The people-watching alone can be fantastic!
But for a Girls Night Out? With two or three friends?
Best Places to Live for Girl’s Night Out
I was curious to see if there are specific places that are especially conducive to girl’s night out.
Apparently, there are.
This listing of “Best Places for a Girls Night Out in LA” includes an assortment of bars, clubs and eateries, as well as hotels with high-end lounges and great people watching.
Personally, I believe the people-watching is key, whether you’re just admiring the view or actually looking to put a little toe in the flirtation waters, even if you are with the gal pals.
In “Best Places for a Girls Night Out in Chicago,” CBS offers another city-specific selection of restaurants and bars.
But what makes for the best possible Girls Night Out?
Ideas for Girls Night Out
When I was more likely to hang with the girlfriends (admittedly, before kids came along), my own preference tended toward casual and not too noisy. The only ingredients I really needed were my friends, an excuse to dress up a little, and a great spot to enjoy a view of the men but primarily – conversation among ourselves. With coffee or a drink, I was content.
When you’re going for something a little more outré, you might consider some of the options for going out on the town that Cosmopolitan suggests:
- Faking a bachelorette party at a trendy bar
- Hitting a fabulous home store with the friends for some window shopping
- Make your Ladies Night Out a Ladies Night In… with a great movie and drinks
- In similar fashion, how about a Do-It-Yourself glamour shot party!
- In or out of the nest, what about a Junk Food Fest (and subsequent Sugar High)?
Girls Night Out, With Life’s Little Changes
Now I admit, one’s life stage will certainly impact what you consider an entertaining and bonding Girls Night Out, so I might modify the short list above in my own way. And I can’t say I’d be donning a veil over dirty martinis. However, any of the following would suit me just fine!
- Window shopping of any sort
- A comfy bistro with great food
- An exhibition or gallery opening – good reason to dress and socialize and support the arts
- A Health Food Fest, do-it-yourself style, after a run to the local Farmer’s Market
The real point? Any activity that encourages talk, catching up, and laughter. Even as we change with the years, don’t we stay the same in our desire to connect, to share history, to continue dreaming and looking forward?
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I have to admit it’s been a while since I had a girls night out, mostly due to work commitments. I love the idea of Ladies night in with drinks and a great chick flick. Not so keen on faking a bachelorette party. Just don’t have the guts!
Drinks and a chick flick… Yes!
Yep. My girlfriend moved out west and I miss her like crazy. Girls night is soooo important for keeping your sense of self. Hopefully will have one soon enough. Planning on a girls weekend in Vegas for the big four oh. Thanks for reminding me how important my girls are…going to call them now.
Vegas with the girl gang? Surely, there will be stories, no? Oh right. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. 😉
I admit that marriage and parenthood puts a damper on the girls nights. However, I still work to make it a priority. One summer, we recruited six friends and we had dinner in every other week at rotating homes … that was SO fun! Now I’m likely to get out once a quarter with the girls.
My favorite indulgence is my annual college girls getaway. Five of us college besties (20 years since we’ve all lived together) do our best to get together each year. Every now and then, one gal misses, but we’ve done pretty well at keeping the tradition. We come from Texas, Tennessee, Atlanta, California and Virginia and this year’s trip is scheduled for the first three days of August. I’m so excited! There is NOTHING like the history we have together.
I think it is important to note that a partner needs to make this a priority for the girls night to continue, because that often means he has to pick up the slack in our absence – whether for an evening or a weekend.
Missy
Sounds like such fun, Missy! (It is indeed hard after marriage and kids. That good partner helps, yes.)
Such an important ritual. Great inspiration, D.A.!