Empty Nests Support Group

Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of depression and loneliness that parents/other guardian relatives feel when one or more of their children leave home. Empty nest syndrome has become more prevalent in modern times, as the extended family is becoming less common than in past generations, and the elderly are left living by themselves.

1,169 Members

831 Posts

0 Online

pattymum 12/16/2011

Just wanted to know how you all are coping during the holidays. My home became empty in September. I've been doing pretty well until recently.

I have two adult sons and one son suggested I start dating since I'm single. I looked into an online Christian dating site but I don't think it's for me. It seems so one dimensional and a bit scary -- - has anyone else tried this? It seems crazy at age 53.

I do have my holidays planned out and am looking forward to visiting family. It just feels a little weird to me to have such an empty and quiet house.

How are you all coping?

deleted_user 12/16/2011

i'm happy at the moment because my son is coming home from college tomorrow for Christmas break! He'll be back for a month.Probably just enough time to get all attached again,so when he goes back,I'll be soo sad again..:(
Overall thou,time does seem to help the pain go away.alos hearing from him and talking on the phone helps.
A couple of things that were really hard in the past few months....
1 he was VERY homesick too-broke my heart!
2.he got sick there and had to go to the er alone and almost went thru a spinal tap alone!!!
3.He was getting into trouble for drinking there..(its a dry-college)
So it was really hard to see him go thru all this alone and not be there to pick up the pieces for him...But he's maturing quickly!

deleted_user 12/17/2011

I'm going through the same thing. My first year with none of my kids being here christmas morning,and the first christmas I won't be seeing my son,he's in the marine corp stationed in okinawa,japan so his christmas is 14 hours before ours. I'll still see my daughters christmas at my daughters house but it.s just not the same. Nobody tells you how hard it is when your kids leave,especially when they were what you did for a living.Oh well what are you gonna do.Merry christmas everyone!

pattymum 12/17/2011

At least we know that we're not in it alone as others are experiencing the same thing and it's been happening for years. :)

I hope your Christmas is filled with peace and comfort.

deleted_user 12/25/2011

Since your a Cristian woman looking for like minded man, date some of those at your church, go to the church outings. find another church if needed that has more prospects for you. believe me the men will find you and you will feel safe in those settings.

pattymum 12/31/2011

Thanks for your feedback nowhereman.

Join the Conversation