IT’S ONLY THE middle of the week, but everyone is planning their weekends already.
Wednesday is officially “hump day” – when the week is shorter, when you’ve beaten Monday and Tuesday and, of course, when the weekend is finally within your grasp.
But what if you decide you’re not going to hit the town this weekend? What if your bank balance or tired eyes have decided that a night in is in order?
Well, here are all the stages you go through when you decide on that cosy night…
1. Antici…pation
You’ve decided you’re staying in this Friday and, actually, you’re dying for it. You’re gonna make a big dinner, watch nice films, cuddle up on the couch and just absolutely relax the hell out of it.
2. The warning shot
This is it. You formulate and send the text around to all your mates. You let the work crowd know. And you inform the other half. You’re staying in, and that’s the final word on the matter.
3. Your last temptation
Except it’s never the last word, is it? Come Friday afternoon, you’re going to be battered by a deluge of wheedling text messages imploring you to head out for just a cheeky half after work. That’s it. They swear. One drink, then home. Ah, go on. It’s Danielle’s birthday and all! You can’t NOT go out!
4. Nerves of steel
This is the part where you have to stay strong, close your eyes, visualise your cosy night in, and withstand the pleading of your pals. Repeat after us: zen-like calm. Zen-like calm. ZEN-LIKE CALM.
5. A crippling case of…
FOMO. You’re in, it’s Friday, your mates are out. Then the FOMO (fear of missing out) starts niggling at you. There are check-ins on Facebook. The Twitpics of frosty pints. The inevitable banter across social media chips away at your iron resolve…
6. Snug as a bug in a rug of love
But only briefly. Because, let’s face it, Fridays in are pretty special beasts. There are always good movies on (or you’re intent on catching up on your stories), food to be prepared and devoured, and blankets and fuzzy socks to be carefully deployed. Bliss. You’re basically Liz Lemon – and loving it.
7. The smug life
The best part – the lack of a sore head on the Saturday. Wait, it’s the second best part. The REAL best part is getting to rub your clear conscience, healthy bank balance and lack of hangover in your suffering mates’ faces. Not so smart now, eh? Thought not.
Is there anything better than your favourite dinner with a side of Graham Norton on a Friday night? Would you believe us if we told you it’s quicker to make it yourself than order in? Swear on your granny’s cat! With Erin Dine Ins, in under 20 minutes you’ll have a Thai green curry, tikka masala, korma or sweet and sour dish on your lap, in another 2 minutes you’ll have a ‘Yes cooked by me, really!’ post on Instagram. Take that hungover-to-be-kebab-eating-friends!