See, I don't think that going out and spending money on your adult time and entertainment is something bad.
I think it is very healthy even for happily married couples. Actually, most happily married couples I know with kids make sure they pay attention to their needs, let lose now and then, and don't feel guilty for dropping some cash on some adult entertainment. The couples I see the most end up here? The ones who enver took time for self care, whatever that may mean to them, didn't nurture their friendships, go out and have a drink every now and then, and revolved their lives around their kids 24/7 and forgot about themselves. My ex left when our daughter was 6 months old and my daughter is now 11 years old. On my non-parenting weekends, I could be out shopping, going to the gym, going out with the girls to a nice dinner and bar and dropping some cash on my adult time that keeps me sane (I earn it, and my daughter goes without nothing). I don't know that I would have even survived these last 11 years if I didn't do that.
But if you don't like to drink, don't. Find other activities you enjoy with adults. GAL is beneficial as you see yourself having fun. If you like to shoot the sh!t with the guys and are a social guy and watching a game at bar while sipping on a diet coke, well, then, it's as beneficial GAL as anything. It's what makes you happy and feeds your soul. Now, if nothing except spending time with your kids feeds your soul, well, then I guess that's what you do.
Just spin your focus on you and what feeds your soul.
