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Loud Camping Neighbors and Other Wild Creatures
I didn’t sleep at all the other night, and I’d do it again.
My partner and I spent a night in a tent some days ago. We did it because we went to a super cool (and very secret) event in the middle of nowhere, which gave us the opportunity to stay overnight and camp deep into the woods.
We had a lovely time! The place and event were truly beautiful — we’ll never forget it. Another thing we will never forget was the night itself, but for entirely different reasons. Before I continue, you must know that we really aren’t nocturnal animals, at least not anymore.
I love to be the first one to retreat after a night out, and I know that in most cases my partner will be right behind me, already brushing his teeth.
I used to act very differently, though. Who met me in my teens and early twenties knew I’d be the last one to go home — if I went home at all, that is. Moderation really wasn’t my strongest suit, mostly out of fear of missing out and peer pressure. All my friends were party people — I wanted them to like me.
After staying out too long too often though, I realized I was still missing out on something: who I was, and who I am. Now, at the venerable age of 29 (and a half!), I am proud to be a peaceful introvert with moderate habits. Now I have new friends who love me for who I am and gift me pajamas and tea mugs.
I still go out and have fun, of course, but I reserve the right to go home whenever I feel like it, which normally is before 1 A.M. at the latest. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
I can’t even tell you the joy of having found a partner who went through a very similar process. Former party animals who now bask in the feeling of leaving a party early to read in bed. Boring for die-hard party goers, sure, but the feeling is mutual.
It goes without saying that overnight events are not really made for us — at least this last one wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, we had an awesome time. It’s just that we wildly underestimated certain things such as the after-party, meaning music volume and other people’s stamina and alcohol consumption.
