From Marianne: There Are Rules to Girls’ Night, People 😂

I was recently invited to what started as a small family girls’ get-together. There would be a few of Bob's cousins, and cousins-in-law like me. It would be lovely. Then, it grew. More cousins, grown daughters, people added to the text chain. And then the date negotiations.

One date was proposed. Some people couldn't make it. Then another date. And another. Eventually we agreed on a date everyone could make. A miracle. There’s just one problem. It’s on a Friday night.

Ladies, we have rules.

I don't know who originally wrote them or where they’re kept. But generations of women have understood them. No explanation needed. Girls’ night on a Tuesday? Perfect. Goodbye, Bob. Don't wait up. Wednesday or Thursday? Absolutely! Have fun eating pizza. But Friday or Saturday night is different. That's husband territory.

You cannot invite me to a fabulous family gathering on a Friday night, invite members of Bob’s own family whom he actually likes, and expect me to walk out the door and say, "Have a great night! I'm going to hang out with your relatives. You're not invited."

Friday night is a big night around here. Bob gets up before dawn all week for his radio show. Friday he can finally stay up late. Am I really going to drive all the way into the city while Bob sits home watching television, knowing I'm somewhere having cocktails with people he's related to? I can't do it. Which means I'm now going to have to invent a reason for him to be there. Like maybe he’s my driver! 

I don't want to ruin Girls’ Night. I love Girls’ Night. I'm just asking that we respect the rules handed down to us by the women who came before us: Weeknight = girls. Weekend = spouses get a fighting chance. These rules have kept marriages intact for generations. Please don't make me explain to Bob that his own family likes me better.