Social Life 101: Part Two

Fact: Socializing Becomes a Chore

So your social life is hanging by a thread, don’t sit there and cry- Embrace it. No, it won’t be the same as your life at college, but that is just a part of growing up – we all have to stop going to homecoming parties some day. Studies at the Stanford Centre on Longevity have shown that many young adults do become less social as we get older.  But you just spent four years of perfecting the art of socialization, why stop now?

Survival Tip: Get Out There

A) Go Out: Don’t let those horror memories of the suburbs turn you into a social hermit. Trust me on this one – it will keep you sane and give your parents some quality time together that they probably want too. Here are some Girls and Guys night out ideas to get things going. According to the latest Census Reports in Canada, there are plenty of us out there. Use this to band together with friends and laugh over your hardships together. (Julianna is my venting outlet).

My partner in crime

B)  Plan, plan, plan and maybe plan some more: If you’re like me and was the regular host for having friends over at university, then moving home was an absolute nightmare. Best thing to do in this case is plan in advance and inform your parents about your intentions to have people over. Ensure that you have the space “booked” to do so and that your parents understand the proper adult-child guest edict guidelines.

DON’T THROW A RAGER- we’re not 16 anymore guys.But remember: don’t try to force the social life you had at school into the social life you have at home, because they are so different.

Social Life 101: Part One

Fact: Mother Bear is Always Watching

Four days into enjoying the homemade meals and the luxury of not paying rent, you realize, “I. Have. No. Social. Life.” You don’t have the freedom you had in college to go out as you please. Your parents always insist on answering the following questions:

Where you are going?

Who you are seeing?

How do I know them?
Fact is, this is incredibly embarrassing. You’re faced with the harsh judgment and approval from your parents that you thought you left behind in your high school days. Fret not though– there are some ways to deal with conversing about your social life with parents.

Survival Tips

A) Remain Calm and Social On: Studies show that most parents wholeheartedly love their children. Remember guys, your parents love you – there questions and concerns just go to prove how much they care (and maybe that they’re slightly psychotic). But be honest as you can with them and do your best. Let them know that they can trust you and when you don’t come home one night, or try to give them a heads up. 

B) There Not Always Right: Psychologist Suzanne Newman reported how parents can easily push us away from. Show them the mistakes they could be making that also push you away. These could be things like asking questions that are TOO personal or uncomfortable.

C) The Distraction Method: While you may be bombarded with questions, you can always resort back to the good old fashion “changing the subject strategy” we all should have mastered back in high school. 

For inspiration on how to learn to love your situation at home check out Jillian Knowles' story.

Now that you know how to cope with parental guidance questions, check in next week on how to keep being social with friends back at home.