The anticipation versus the reality

[ava]

It is usual for the drastic changes (that result from the nest being empty) to cause anticipation, anxiety, and worry. It becomes overwhelming when your mind becomes preoccupied with thoughts on how it will be like to live as an empty nester. Did you feel better on realizing that the empty nest was (probably) not close to what you'd imagined?

[adanna]

Well the early days were actually quite awful I would say. But now I have adjusted my lifestyle, I’m fine with it. I don’t know about the others but it indeed took me some time to adjust.

[ava]

Hey adanna, I wasn't ready for this phase, but when reality hit home, I approached it head-on. The thought of our first child leaving for college caused a lot of anxiety, and it felt awful during the first few weeks. Some people take longer to adjust, whereas others learn to cope sooner. 

[SadMommy]

Actually, I think mine is worse than expected.  I thought i would adjust sooner.

[ava]

Actually, I think mine is worse than expected.  I thought i would adjust sooner.

The feeling will linger for a while, but the fact is that it may never go away completely. Either way, you will adjust with time. How long has it been since your child left the house? How often do you get in touch?

[Elise]

I tried to prepare myself a little for empty nest, but it is actually worse than I thought it would be. I'm really struggling with loneliness, sadness, and anxiety. I worry about my kids all the time and wish they were still at home instead of grown up and off to college.