How long to get used to child not living at home?

[TotorosCatBus]

Dd is 20 and moved out last week with his gf

How long until it becomes more normal? It's not like I was a mum who micromanaged his life but I'm feeling his absence.

I texted him on the day he moved out and o we the weekend but finding it hard to know yeh balance between being annoying and acting like I don't care 😂

He's an independent sort who knows how to do stuff like laundry but I'm feeling unbalanced with him not living here

He lives about 5 miles away and works 5 days a week so we could meet easily so it's not a distance thing.

Awww, I get it. It's not easy at first is it? It sounds like you're getting the texting balance just right. You'll feel his absence for a while yet but it gets easier, I promise. Remember to tell yourself that you've raised a young man who's ready to stand on his own two feet, you've done a good job.

Thank you.

I keep trying to kid myself that I need to focus on less mess but he's my oldest so it's all a big weird

I took about a week until I settled.
DD went to university last year. I found myself setting 3 places at the table, going into her room on the hunt fo,r dirty clothes, cups and mouldering food etc.
It’s lovely to see her when she does come home but equally lovely to see the back of her!

Give it time, it's early days. I'm a part time empty nester as Ds is at uni now miles away. I get it.

Are you now on your own as that makes a huge difference and you did not clarify?
I was a single parent and both mine went off to uni a week apart. I felt quite distraught for a couple of weeks, but luckily in the first couple of years both came home regularly.
Now one works abroad so obviously I have not seen him this year and I have moments of longing to see him. He is also not very good at staying in touch.
My other son is a couple of hundred miles away and is better at keeping in touch and in fact invited me to visit this weekend.
As for keeping in touch when they have busy lives and girlfriends I am a bit unsure myself as I do not want to come over as needy. That said if my youngest has not had a text from me in a few days he texts to say I am being quiet.

Thanks

I have my younger children at home. One of them is due to go to uni in autumn next year.

I'll give it more time.