I’m not really sure what an “Ode” is or if my little ditty (not sure what a ditty is either) qualifies, but I like the word, “Ode.” I sat down and wrote the above words out one day and posted it on Facebook. I was so surprised by how many friends liked it, that I thought I’d share it with you too:
If you don’t like my husband, sorry we can’t be friends. If you’re a woman and you like my husband more than you like me, sorry we can’t be friends. If you don’t like my kids, sorry we can’t be friends. If you like my kids more than you like me…when can you babysit? ๐
I wasn’t sure what to title it. Isn’t that the worst thing about writing something–the title? Would that the title would just magically appear perfectly appropriate for the writing!
But alas the baby sitter is the biggest obstacle to going out on regular dates as a married couple. You have to plan ahead, not our best trait. Then you have to clean the house, another problem. You have to find someone actually willing to babysit your angelic kiddos, problem number three. Then if all that falls into place you have to pay them. Sigh.
I would love to get out more consistently without the kids, but we’ve actually gotten away alone more than usual lately so I am very thankful. I now remember what an uninterrupted conversation is like. Amazing!
Ever wondered what gift to give a couple with kids? A babysitter! They’ll love you forever. I promise! I tell myself repeatedly, “Someday you’re going to miss this!”
P.S. Please don’t give me a lecture on the proper use of “ode” or “ditty” ’cause…I don’t really care. ๐
Some one gave me a lecture. lol

I love this! It’s so very true. We never go out because it’s just not worth all the hassle and money. But this is very clever.
Your ode is very true! I recently had to end a relationship with a couple we’ve been friends with for years because all of a sudden they didn’t like my husband. It was very sad, but I was tired of having to defend my husband and hear negative remarks about him in front of my young toddler. I envy parents that get to go out on date nights! I have been waiting two years for one but haven’t found anyone to babysit my high energy two year old that I trust and could afford!
I love this ode! I live close to both my parents so I’m lucky to almost always have a sitter.
I live in the UK and I have seen this on my Facebook feed. Did you write it? If so then it is currently doing the rounds in East Anglia, England lol. What a small world!
@Tori, Really? That is hilarious! Yes, I wrote it! ๐
@Esther Yes, really! Congratulations on entering Facebook UK! Welcome to Norfolk ๐
@Tori, I mentioned it on my Facebook page. Evidently when I wrote it my own friends (ha ha) didn’t figure I wrote it and just shared it. Cracks me up. I would love it shared with my logo on it though if any one would!
I had a friend whose husband I didn’t like. He mistreated her (in my opinion), but she thought I thought he was great. I can’t imagine actually talking bad about someone’s spouse right to them. How rude and hurtful.
This same friend of mine took advantage of our friendship and started backing me into a corner asking me to babysit. I finally had to start telling her no because she was constantly asking me. I was her friend; not her babysitter. Then, she decided I was no friend to her at all.
However, volunteering to babysit as a gift to a friend is completely different. And, if I had friends with small kids I might be willing to consider this ๐
Mari!!!! So good to hear from you! I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. I’m with you. I don’t like to feel pressured to do something I don’t want to do, so much so that I probably don’t ask when I should.
I completely understand – babysitters are so difficult to remember to plan for! When we do think of it, it’s usually a BIG event for us – and we tend to hire teachers from our daughter’s daycare. She knows them, they are certified and we don’t have to spend the night worrying about her and can enjoy ourselves!
Absolutely the best gift to give! People always ask me how they can help (I am a single mom with a child with multiple disabilities) and I say “You want to babysit so I can recapture my sanity?” LOL
Oh my gosh that’s too funny! I love it! Is it ok if I use it as my FB status? Crediting you of course!
@Trisha, Absolutely. I would love you to share it! ๐
LOL! Great quote! So true too! I’d love one of those!
Love this! So cute and funny. This is a Share on my Facebook also ๐
I honestly rarely go out because of the babysitter issue. I can count on one hand the number of times my husband and I have been out together without kids in the last several years.
We all become poets on Facebook. You are right about titles, they really are the piece we all struggle with. Great ode!
LOL – very cute. I used to do a fair amount of babysitting back in the day…it was pretty fun…and now, it’s so weird to see how all of these children have grown up over the years.
A truer statement could not be made about my wife. Very a propros!
Very funny! I was wondering where you were going at first, but love how you ended it!!
Very funny! And True!
I love it! Though I have not had a babysitter for a long time, I think it will be God’s gift to have someone to look after your child who loves them as much you do.
I remember the fear involved in trying to get a babysitter. I was certain this must be what a high-school guy feels like when he asks a girl out – and she says no. It was easier for me to STAY HOME than to experience the rejection when a babysitter said they were unavailable.
funny but this is true!
This is why we usually have couple nights at home. We make a ice dinner, watch a movie and spend some time together! We love it!
lol, i love the last part about babysitting.