7 Surprising (and Not So Glamorous) Ways Motherhood Has Transformed Me

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I used to be all about those late-night horror movie marathons. I have fond memories of sleepovers in middle school, where we’d pile on the snacks and binge-watch the scariest flicks we could find like “The Exorcist” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Nowadays, though? Not so much. After becoming a mom, those thrill-seeking movie nights turned into a different experience entirely.

It’s funny how things shift, right? I remember watching those young actors face terrifying fates on screen, and now all I can think is, “What if that were my kid?” Even films like “I Am Legend” or “A Quiet Place” make my heart race with thoughts of protecting my little ones. My ability to sit through gory scenes has vanished, and films like “Cloverfield” have me tossing and turning for hours afterward.

While we often hear about how motherhood brings deep, meaningful changes—like discovering new strengths or feeling a greater sense of purpose—there are plenty of unexpected, less profound shifts that come with the territory. Here are just a few of the ways motherhood has altered me that I never saw coming:

1. Staying up past 10 PM? Yeah, right. My friends and I used to kick off our nights at that hour, but now I’m more likely to be tucked in bed.
2. A perfect Friday night for me now consists of cozy flannel pajamas, a glass of wine, and my trusty People magazine—followed by an early night, of course.
3. My social life has morphed from “hanging out” to “playdates,” and I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world.
4. Regular mani-pedis? Those are now a rare treat, maybe once a year if I’m lucky.
5. I’d much rather splurge on a cute outfit for my daughter than on a new handbag or shoes for myself.
6. Dining out at 5 PM on weekends? Totally normal and even preferred now.
7. My post-pregnancy sense of smell is still on overdrive, which means I’m always the first to sniff out any dirty diapers in the house.

Have you experienced any unexpected changes since becoming a parent? If so, you’re not alone! For more on parenting’s quirks, check out this post over at our blog.

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In summary, motherhood has brought about various unexpected changes, from my movie preferences to my social life. While some shifts are profound, others are just plain quirky—but they all contribute to the wild ride of parenting.