Empty Nest Syndrome

I remember when I left home for college, my mother went through empty nest syndrome. My father did also, but not as much as my mother. I think that this is the case with most parents, most often when their child(ren) move away to college.

This can be a difficult time for parents for the simple reason they don't know how to act. For some reason they freak out and can't handle it very well. Here is the advice that I gave my mom back when I left for college.

1.) Get involved in new activities outside of the house. Don't sit in the house looking at the walls. Get out and do something fun and exciting.

2.) Make new friends. Be social with others that enjoy the same things that you do.

3.) Often times, parents stop dating when the children come. Now they are gone, if you stopped you can start dating each other again.

4.) Go on a vacation and do something just for the two of you. You have done plenty for your children now do something for you.

5.) Change there room to something else. This will also show your children that it is time for them to be one their own as adults.

Naturally, you will miss your children. However, you must remember that your children want you to be happy and not sit around and mope around because they are gone.

You Don't Like Your Spouse's Friends

There are times when we simply may not like our spouse's friends or a particular family member. This can be a very touchy topic for a lot of marriages for a couple of reasons.

1.) Your spouse is an adult and you are their husband or wife not their mother or father of a minor.

2.) The friend or family member has done nothing wrong giving reason to cause distance.

It is important that you do not give your spouse and ultimatum between their friends and/or family member and you. This will only drive an wedge between the two of you and be a possible source of stress. Here are a few suggestions on how to handle this type of situation.

1.) When alone with your spouse you can occassionally mention your reasons on why the friend and/or family member rubs you the wrong way. When doing this be careful not to judge or come off as nagging. Keep it in a manner of love.

2.) If you are put in situations in which you must deal with this person, make sure you remain yourself in your conduct, character, and commitment.

It is up to your spouse to determine who their friends are going to be. You can voice your concern, but don't make the decision for them and expect them to follow. Just remember that you most likely have friends and/or family members that they don't particularly like. It goes both ways, sometimes you just have to sacrafice for the sake of your spouse.