Empty Nest Diaries (2)
A month has passed and I’m happy to report that DH and I have discovered…
We still like each other (a LOT). Hurrah!
Seriously, we find each other hilarious (usually intentionally) and actually like hanging out together. Not that we didn’t think this before, but you never quite know what it will be like when the house is empty. I’m not taking this for granted at all; I know far too many couples who have discovered they have nothing in common or nothing to say once the kids have gone (or when stuck together during the dreaded Covid years).
I have to confess, we have been rather anti-social as it’s been a bit like going back to when you are first dating - you just like being the two of you as much as possible. I won’t spell out the other fun advantage of not having any kids in the house (I’m sure you can guess)!
So, other than a couple of challenges (that I won’t share here - at least, not just yet), life is pretty damn good.
It helps that all the children are settled and happy pursuing their own lives right now. Our son is busy with his new business, eldest daughter is busy planning her wedding in NZ (very exciting, but am I ready to be called Mother of the Bride?!!!), and youngest daughter is loving life at Drama School. This means that for the first time we are able to focus almost entirely on us, as a couple, for more than just a weekend or few days away, which is lovely, and interesting. We are beginning to think more about the years ahead - What do we want them to look like? Where do we want to live? What do we want to enjoy more of? What do we want less of? We don’t have firm answers yet but are giving ourselves time to pause and ponder.
In other news, the cat has finally stopped wailing and has abandoned all plans to become a drunk. Instead, he is trying out ‘needy toddler’ and insists on sleeping as close to me as possible, demanding attention and lots of playtime, and being fussy about mealtimes. Luckily, I’ve raised three kids and know exatly how to handle this…
(honestly, letting him get under the covers for cuddles is all part of my cunning plan!)
