Why Staying In on a Friday Feels Like a Rebellious Act of Self-Love

There was a time when Friday nights meant one thing and one thing only: chaos. No plans? No problem. You just hit up the nearest club, shoved yourself into a crowd, and hoped you'd make it to 3 a.m. without getting kicked out. But now? Now, staying in feels like the ultimate rebellious act. Not rebellious in the way you might think—I'm not out here starting a riot. No, it’s rebellious in the self-love kind of way. And let me tell you, it's an absolute vibe.

Goodbye FOMO, Hello Self-Respect

Let's talk about FOMO. Remember when missing a night out was the end of the world? The horror of scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone living their best life in some overpriced bar, while you sat there wondering what the hell you were doing. Fast-forward a few years, and I’ve found myself embracing the kind of FOMO that actually matters: the FOMO of not being with my dogs, Rhubarb and Custard, while I'm out in the cold.

Don’t get me wrong—I used to love a good night out. The lights, the music, the pure adrenaline of it all. But now? When I walk out of the door, the only thing I can think about is how my dogs are curled up on the couch, probably dreaming about chasing squirrels. And honestly? I get a little jealous. So yeah, I’d rather be here with my dogs, some wine, and zero hangover. It’s all about that shift in priorities, babe. Staying in isn’t lazy. It’s self-respect.

No Hangovers, No Regrets

I won’t sugarcoat it. The physical aftermath of a night out is not cute. I’ve woken up with my head pounding, my skin looking like I’ve been hit by a truck, and no memory of what happened after I said “one more drink.” So imagine my surprise when I realised there’s something that feels even better than dancing till 3 a.m.: waking up on a Saturday morning with zero regret, no dry mouth, and knowing where my shoes are.

These days, my “wild” Friday nights consist of dinner, a glass of wine, and Rhubarb and Custard curled up beside me. You know what the best part is? No nausea, no questioning my life choices, and no wondering if I accidentally sent someone a text I’ll regret at 2 a.m. It’s a level of peace that only comes when you finally realise that self-care doesn’t just mean face masks—it’s skipping the chaos for something that actually makes you feel good.

True Fun is No Longer Defined by Clubs or Chaos

The fun’s not gone. It’s just different. And here's the thing: I still know how to have fun, but I’ve swapped heels for slippers, vodka for tea, and noise for silence. Instead of “closing down the club,” I’m closing down my work week, getting home, and curling up with my dogs. There’s nothing like finishing a long day of work and just existing on the couch with a blanket, a good show, and my pups by my side.

You want real rebellion? Try being content with the calm. Try saying no to the night out and yes to the quiet. I’ve traded my nights of pretending to have it all together for the true art of relaxation. And trust me, it’s just as wild—just without the sore feet and drama.

How to Distract Yourself if You’re Still in the ‘I Want to Go Out’ Stage

Look, if you’re still in that phase where you’re itching to go out and can’t imagine spending a Friday night without chaos, I get it. That craving for the hustle, the buzz, the people, the music—it’s a whole thing. But here's how to distract yourself while you navigate the transition:

• Pamper yourself like you’re the VIP: Treat your at-home experience like it’s a 5-star spa. Face masks, a long bath, comfy PJs, and a cosy setting can turn the “I’m missing out” feeling into “I’m literally living my best life.”

• Find a new hobby that feels exciting: You’d be surprised how easy it is to get hooked on something new at home. Try making a playlist or learning to cook something new. Get invested in a project or read that book you’ve been ignoring. This way, your Friday nights feel productive, but without the hangover.

• Call your mates to make fun plans: Plan a night of wine, laughs, and bad movies. You can still feel connected and not have to leave your sofa. (Bonus points for putting on those ridiculous movie snacks.)

Conclusion: Rebel Against the Club and Reclaim Your Peace

Here’s the bottom line: there’s no shame in staying in on a Friday. In fact, there’s power in it. The real rebellion is realising that you don’t need to be out to have fun or feel alive. You can have a wild night from the comfort of your couch, surrounded by snacks, your favorite shows, and—most importantly—your dogs, who will never judge you for it.

So, go ahead. Cancel those plans. Snuggle up, pour that glass of wine, and live your best rebel life.

Who needs a nightclub when you’ve got the perfect night in?

Which are you?

• Night's out always!
• I'm staying cosy on the sofa!