The day after

I've noticed a pattern with the boy's behavior. Usually the day after my husband and I, or even just myself, goes out and leaves him with a sitter, his attitude is hellacious. This is in no way the sitter's fault because he's commonly in good spirits for them (in this case my parents) and he and his little sister have a nice evening. But the day after fun is had by all is torture. He has been excessively grumpy, whiney and testosterone driven. My gut tells me (and you are obliged to disagree) that he is subconsciously getting us back for abandoning him. I got angry with him this morning (yes, my Zen attitude from last week was, uh, displaced) and after several attempts of setting things straight failed, I ended up putting myself in time out. He didn't nap today either which has put a stinker on our afternoon. Currently he's sitting at the kitchen table waiting for the good supper husband is making (not a common occurrence) and guarding the bubble around him from his sister at every turn. How will we survive the night? Like I said, he didn't nap so hooray for us, he goes to bed soon. Give me strength...