Why I Don't Need Adult Interaction

We've all heard it. Maybe you have even said it. "I wanted to go back to work because I just really needed the adult interaction." Or "adult interaction is really good for me." I'll admit, when I worked full time and before I became a mother, I was worried I too would be one of these "adult interaction" types. I had been working since I was 15 years old, so I was concerned I would miss “going to work” each day.

When I was working I enjoyed most all of my co-workers. Although we all worked independently in the field most days, we would also ride along together or communicate by phone or email on a fairly regular basis. I talked with one co-worker in particular almost every day. I enjoyed her company and thought we'd keep in touch (as much as you can with a newborn baby!) after I left. She called me one day about a month after I'd quit. I couldn't believe how negative she was about her job and life in general. I couldn't wait to get off the phone with her...luckily my sweet baby started crying, so I had an excuse to cut the conversation short! Ha! 

What had changed? I used to enjoy talking with her. It wasn't her that had changed. It was me. When I was working I was surrounded by complainers and negative people. I didn't realize how infectious bad attitudes are! I became so calloused to the problem that I didn't even realize it was a problem! After I left I was suddenly only surrounded by my family, my church family, and my friends; people that are loving, encouraging, and positive. I'm no longer thrown into the world and all of its negativity on a daily basis. I don’t want or need the world’s “adult interaction.” I want the kind that encourages me as a mother, wife, and helps me walk closer to Christ. 

While it may be true that my voice is constantly more high pitched now from babbling with my baby and I don't have lunch breaks with friends or co-workers (some days I'm lucky to get lunch at all!) anymore, now I get to choose the type of adult interaction I want. Now it's easier to create a warmer, more welcoming, Christian home for my husband to come home to each night. And this makes reason number 348 that I love being a mom!