Adult night out protocols

Carmen texted the group chat at 4 PM: “Drinks at Hendricks tonight. 7:30. No excuses.” Sarah immediately responded with three thumbs up emojis. Alex added “FINALLY” in all caps. And here I am, actually checking my outfit in the mirror like I’m 22 again.

Adult night out protocols

It’s been months since we all got together somewhere that wasn’t someone’s living room or a coffee shop. Michelle even drove up from Richmond just for tonight. There’s something weirdly formal about putting on real jeans and boots instead of my usual nursing scrubs or workout clothes. Like I’m cosplaying as my pre-pandemic self.

Jake’s already claimed the couch and his Friday night Netflix queue, which honestly sounds equally appealing right now. But Carmen threatened to show up at our door if I bailed, and I believe her. Plus, I realized I’ve been talking about “getting back out there” for weeks without actually doing it.

Keys, purse, and out the door

Time to remember how to be social in public again. Wish me luck – apparently I need to relearn how to order drinks that aren’t coffee or protein shakes.