DD gone travelling, I am struggling

[Parvanati]

My lovely youngest DD18 has left home to travel the other side of the world.

I have been supportive and didn’t try to talk her out of it or anything. I helped her do everything she asked for help with and have been excited for her.

She messages me a normal, good amount and I know she is ok, she’s safe and seems happy. She has money and is with a friend.

I cried the whole day and night she left after I dropped her off at the airport and I haven’t slept very well at all in many days. I have not told her any of this as it is not her burden to carry and I was alone when I was upset.

I am excited for her and I want more than anything for her to have an amazing experience, I am so excited to see the photos she shares and hear about what she is up to. But I miss her intensely and It is a combination of worry and sadness I am feeling that I am struggling with. Not being able to sleep is not helping me at all. I am past the tearful stage now, I went through all the emotions of truly letting her fly the nest but it’s overwhelming as it’s so far away and for so long. I don’t think I can visit, it’s too expensive plus she hasn’t invited me to, this is her journey and not mine.

How do I pull myself together?

Sounds fantastic @Parvanati

She is coming back, things not going well with her friend and now she is very homesick. I can’t wait to see her but I am also sad for her!

that is brave of her to admit, she will have had an amazing experience

I’m worried about how down she is. She had gone very quiet and seems unhappy. Flight is booked for a few weeks. She is brave I am proud of her. She has had an amazing experience but now she feels trapped with a toxic friend which isn’t a good feeling

Is there no way she can just ditch the friend and continue alone? It sounds unlikely that the friendship will survive anyway- honestly this happens a lot. I remember dsis and her travelling companion lasted all of 3 weeks before agreeing to peel off separately.

Parvanati, I came across this page and your post a few weeks ago. I am aware that your posts are from 2023 but I just wondered how your daughter is doing now? My daughter left last week with her partner of 4/5 years to go travelling and I am struggling something terrible. I am so super proud of her and how determined and adventurous she is but I can’t help but feel selfish which is making me feel super guilty. I’ve been told that although she is alive and well, it is like a grief and I feel that. A part of my heart is missing 😢 how did you get through it all? Hope yourself and you’re daughter is doing well 💓