Hot Girl Weekend (Sans Husband)

So, if you know me, you know I’m the youngest of three. If you don’t know me… surprise!

I’m the baby of the family - which means I was never really alone growing up. There was always someone around: siblings, cousins, friends, or, most notably, my best friend Shannon.

Shannon and I were basically a package deal. We had a standing arrangement with our school bus driver (yes, we rode the same bus) that we could get off at each other’s houses whenever we wanted. Both of our parents worked, and I think they figured we’d keep each other out of trouble.(And by “trouble,” I mean stories that will not be shared here. Sorry.)

So yeah, I’m not someone who’s super comfortable being alone. I’m used to the chaos of people around, someone to talk to, plans to be made, someone just… there. And that has translated into adulthood. I married my best friend, and we truly do everything together. Not because we have to, but because we genuinely love being around each other.

But this past weekend? He was in Vegas. For four days. And I was alone. (Well, kind of.)

And let me just say… I thrived.

Okay, okay... maybe I didn’t completely embrace full-blown solo hermit life (not yet anyway), but I did push myself out of my comfort zone. I filled my weekend with connection, fun, and little moments that felt really good for my soul.

Friday? I went out to the pool and out to eat with friends. I even dropped a new reel on my foodgram (go check it out - support your local snack queen).

Saturday? I meal prepped like the responsible domestic goddess I sometimes pretend to be, then headed to a housewarming party where I stayed out way too late… because the people were warm, welcoming, and let’s be honest... I just wasn’t ready to go home.

Sunday? Golf was on the agenda… but I slept through that because, again, way too late. BUT I rallied and tagged along with some of our married friends and their family to see the Outlaw Music Festival at Riverbend.

Yes, it was a literal family affair + me.

Yes, I sat in the lawn section.

Yes, I questioned every life decision for about 30 minutes because it was so freaking hot.

But then I remembered I was watching Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan live, and all was forgiven.

Here’s the thing: I think a lot of us (especially those of us in long-term relationships) get caught in the pattern of doing everything with our person. And that’s not a bad thing!

Zach is my best friend. I want to experience life with him.

But I’m also proud of myself for continuing to live life while he was away. For saying yes to the invites, for showing up to places alone (or third-wheeling… or fifth-wheeling… you get it), and for proving to myself that I can do it. That I want to do it.

Because independence doesn’t mean you don’t love your partner. It just means you’re choosing to live fully as yourself, too.

So, here’s to the solo-ish weekends, the family affairs we crash, the late nights that turn into long sleeps, and the version of ourselves we discover when we step a little outside of the norm.

Alone, but not lonely. (Also… still a little sunburnt.)

– CC