Girl, there’s nothing wrong with loving outside….

For some reason I woke up one day and thought, “hm, maybe I should stay in this weekend”, “I’ve been out 2 weeks in a row, am I a fox ?!” This was post-frontal lobe. 

But I cannot deny the exhilaration when getting ready to go out with all my homegirls, the music, the gossip, the outfit swaps or how fast we are able to make tiktoks after sending the uber driver a message of “Be right there!” 10 minutes ago. 

Recently there has been an unnatural force occupying the minds of the youngests, who prefer to not do anything fun after a long week of work and think being outside is boring. It almost got me for some time. But then I realised what Drake “ You only live once that's the motto, f*** what anybody say”. Like when did we decide to collectively age ourselves, like our pension isn't seeing us for another 40 years. I understand it, sometimes it can feel overdone. But i’ll tell you what is never overdone, having a good time.

Mind you, having a good time does not necessarily mean going to the club. It could be going to karaoke, joining a club of your interest or just doing whatever floats your boat that requires human connection. Nevertheless, I am talking about going to parties, events, dinners and things of that nature. You have to get your intentions right when going outside. The human connection and community is what makes it so enjoyable. Just speaking to someone and sharing stories about your life knowing you will probably never see them again. I have a dear friend that once we step into the location we don’t see her for half of the night because she has wandered off on quests to take in the whole experience (safely of course)and then it makes for a great debrief the next day. 

I find that this “guilt” only befalls women. Yes, I am absolutely making this woke ! When women reach a certain age it is believed by the literal unwritten “rules” by the patriarch that we must be docile, enjoy being at home and going out too much makes you undesirable. My thing is when was it ever about them… In fact, it’s never a good time when women aren't involved. Let me give some examples: “Ladies free entry, Men £100 entry fee.” Have you ever seen women inviting men to their tables in VIP? When walking into a party with mostly men, is it ever fun ? Now, even though women do benefit a lot from this culture and being the life of the party, unfortunately it can get very weird very quick. But that is another conversation for another blog. The point is, babe being outside, you are guaranteed to have a good time especially with your trusted friends. The assumption that women who enjoy going out are ‘icky’ reflects a fairly hypocritical double standard.

Whether you are young or not so young, why deny yourself of creating lasting memories with people who want to do the same? Guaranteed, there are many factors that can prevent this today. Not to talk about the political and economical state of the world but, it doesn't help that one drink and a plate of calamari is £46.89. I like to think of it as we are all helping each other as consumers and producers. You take my money and I get to have a night to remember. Sometimes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

With summer just around the corner, (which actually makes being outside a lot easier) I challenge you to go to 5 day parties, 2 picnics, join a club and say yes to every invitation of going out xxx Queue “Respect that your earned” by Yo Gotti and Ne-yo.

Written by Essie Francis