Hey Mama, let’s keep it real—motherhood changes everything. Your world is spinning with diapers, baby snuggles, and that never-ending to-do list, but somewhere along the way, some of your friendships may feel like they’re shifting, too. Especially with friends who are single or don’t have kids yet, things can get complicated, right? These weird friendships in motherhood can leave you feeling uncertain. But here’s the deal—it’s usually not about you. It’s about where they are in their own journey.
The Emotional Gap
Different Milestones
You’re deep into the world of bedtime routines and first steps, but your single friends might still be navigating a very different path. If they’ve always dreamed of having a family or a partner but haven’t reached that chapter yet, seeing you live it out can stir up all kinds of feelings—maybe even a little envy or sadness. It’s not because they don’t love you, but because they’re still waiting for something they want so badly.
Feeling Left Out
We get it—your conversations might start to revolve around baby milestones, sleep schedules, or that new mom hack you just discovered. But for your friends who aren’t on the mom train, it can sometimes feel like they’re on the outside looking in. They might not know how to fit into your new world, and instead of saying something, they might start pulling away. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re not sure where they fit anymore.
Silent Struggles
Let’s be honest—your friend might be carrying some silent struggles, especially if they want kids but haven’t had them yet. Watching you live out that dream can sometimes bring up buried feelings of resentment, loneliness, or frustration. They may not even realize it themselves, but seeing your glow-up as a mom can feel like a reminder of what they don’t have yet, and that can be tough to deal with.
Navigating the Distance
Start the Conversation
If you feel like a friend is drifting, don’t be afraid to have a heart-to-heart. Sometimes just saying, “Hey, I’ve noticed things feel different between us—how are you doing?” can make all the difference. Let them know you’re still here for them, even if your worlds look a little different right now.
Show Some Love
It’s so important to validate where your friend is at. Just because you’re knee-deep in mom life doesn’t mean their experiences are any less valuable. Acknowledge that being single or child-free has its own set of challenges, and let them know you’re cheering them on, just like they’ve cheered you on.
Make Space for Them
Let’s be real—mom life is busy, but your friendships still matter. When you do get time to hang out with your friends, focus on reconnecting outside of your roles as moms or partners. Grab a coffee, go for a walk, or talk about what’s going on in their life. Those moments remind you both of the friendship you’ve always had and help bridge the gap between your different life stages.
Accepting the Change
Here’s the hard truth, Mama: not all friendships are built to last forever. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, friendships drift apart as life takes us in different directions. And while that can be painful, it’s also part of the journey. Some friends are meant to walk with us for only part of the way, and that’s okay. It doesn’t erase the love or the memories—you’ll always carry that with you.
So if a friendship starts to fade, give it space, but don’t blame yourself. You’re growing, glowing, and evolving in this season of motherhood, and the right people will always find their way back to you.
At the end of the day, you’re surrounded by love, growth, and the friendships that are meant to be part of your beautiful journey. Keep shining, Mama, because the ones who matter will always stick by your side. 💖
