I'm sure many a post has been written about the grumpiness that begins to emerge from us as we enter middle age. Things that used to be fun or humorous have become annoyances, both large and small. Remember going to birthday parties as a kid? We would wake up early, bounding with excitement, ready to spend a day with loved ones and/or friends. Now we we hear the word "birthday party" my mind immediately goes to small talk with people I don't know, or don't even want to know, pretending that I want to be there, watching kids run around acting like fools, going to a house that is probably nice than mine etc. It's hell. All of you other fathers know exactly what I'm talking about. And that's not even including hosting a child's party. Disclaimer: I love making my kids happy so if having a birthday party makes them happy then I'm all for it. Does not mean that I have to like it. The one good thing about hosting a party is the moms that show up. I swear that I'm not a pervert! I hate prepping for it, I hate cleaning up after and I hate paying for food that ends up everywhere except in digestive systems. But it makes my kids happy so overall I still hate it. What did you think I was going to say. A bunch of kids high on sugar making a mess of my house and yard. No thank you. I even dislike adult parties. I don't mind if it's a small group but sometimes there are people at these parties that are either uninteresting or annoying. Not that I'm the worlds most interesting man or anything but to believe that there are people more uninteresting than me makes me want to jump off a bridge. Not a high one, just enough to sprain an ankle. Overall I enjoy family parties and the people there-and my family is full of interesting characters. My wife's family even more so. Maybe we are the outliers. Now that one of my daughters is in school, I have to attend school events. I love watching my daughter sing at one of the school concerts but why would I want to sit through elementary school kids singing songs about who knows what. I mean, the kids are cute and fun to watch but really, I could spend my time doing something more fun, like watching paint dry, or grass grow. As I age I find myself wanting to spend more time at home or taking rides without having to get out of the car. Or hiking, I love hiking. There's usually no one to bother you as long as you choose less travelled trails. And hiking doesn't involve socializing, just saying hi as a fellow wanderer passes by. I can live with that. Maybe that's how parties should be, a drive by (bad choice of words) where you say hello, get a piece of cake to go and as payment drop off a gift. I don't think our kids will go for it but oh well. Now the worst thing of all are the self absorbed adults who throw birthday parties for themselves or have their spouse do it for them. I told my wife that I did not want anything for my 40th. We did a family party but I don't need that attention. Plus I can feel that people have much better things to do than spend time with me. And I don't blame them for it! In conclusion, I am definitely a people person. As long as they come one at a time and leave right after. Becoming old and grumpy isn't as bad as it sounds, but it won't make you many friends. I'm okay with that.
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