Empty nest syndrome - it's real.

[monkeyonthetable]

Is anyone else feeling an intense, overwhelming empty-nest dread?

I know it's stupid but am shocked by how powerful it is. I feel sick and anxious, like there's a fist clenching my chest. Both my DC are leaving home at the same time. Of course I want them to start their adult lives but some part of me just wants to hug them and never stop.

I'm fretting that ASD DS2 will be overwhelmed and lonely and that real uni life won't live up to his very precise, planned, high expectations. I'm worried that DS1 will burn the candle at both ends and collapse (he's done this before - actually fainted from hard work and lack of sleep when leading an expedition in L6.)

And concerned that DH and I will slide into evening TV and silence. We had plans to do some long haul travel as soon as they left, to push ourselves out of the empty nest too but that's been shelved due to Covid.

Has anyone had it and got over it? Is anyone else surprised by how powerful and unexpected it is? Would love to chat to people who feel the same or had it and are through it.

[ladytramp]

Thanks anothernamereally, I know it will get better. My friends all seem to be facetiming their kids and I think I've been holding back too much to give him air!

[TrembleLikeAFlower]

Hello, ladytramp. I'm in an almost identical boat - only child is in first year at college, now self-isolating - and we're WFH in Tier 2. But we do hear quite often from our dear fresher, especially when cooking or laundry tips are required!

[ladytramp]

Tremble the exact kind of messages I get here aswell!

[TrembleLikeAFlower]

Ha! Within five minutes of my post last night, I’d been texted a photo of a (thankfully not too serious) cooking-related injury so that I could give long distance first aid advice. Have you had any news from your lad today?

[ladytramp]

Oh no I hope it wasn't too bad! No haven't heard but planning to attempt a call this evening. DH will surely warn me against

[TrembleLikeAFlower]

No, not too bad, thankfully. We've had some more cookery chat but have been assured that DC is very busy indeed writing essays.

[Motorwaysandwich]

Yes, it's real. But I got my boy back yesterday for Christmas and when I woke up this morning and remembered he's in the next room sleeping I thought my heart would burst with joy 😍

Then I went downstairs to make a cup of tea and fell over his giant trainers in the hall 😂

[anothernamereally]

Ds is coming home for Christmas today - I'm so excited to see him

[ladytramp]

I share everyone's joy. It's been so special to have him back, trainers and all. @Motorwaysandwich 😂

[TrembleLikeAFlower]

How's it going, everyone? DC is back and it looks as if our nest won't be empty again any time soon!