Separation Anxiety

November 01, 2012

When it comes to characterizing the atmospheres of different times of the year, I would have to say that mid-fall is a time of settling. The world is not moving too fast, nor too slow—as a general rule, most of the great changes have already happened, and people are simply settling into their newly established conditions and routines. One of the biggest changes that people have to adjust to about this time is that the new adults have been away from home just long enough that it the silence begins to echo. The idea of leaving the nest is often considered to be a quick and brief process, and, for the most part, the actual action is. However, the longer process and often more emotionally taxing process is that which happens after the break.

The emotional toll of moving out is often a very heavy one, especially when the young person will be far removed from the parents. Often, this change leaves a feeling of something missing. How do you deal with it? Some people use new advents in technology to ease the separation anxiety: cell phones, email, Skype. Other people get pets. Still other people just seemed naturally suited to the change, walking forward and never looking back. Their secret is simply knowing how to look at the situation, one of the many lessons that you can discover for yourself...or you can get a head start and see what advice others can give you.

For those flying the coop:
Turbulent Twenties Survival Guide: Figuring Out Who You Are, What You Want, & Where You're Going After College
By Marcos Salazar

For those with empty nests:
The Empty Nest: 31 Parents Tell the Truth About Relationships, Love, and Freedom After the Kids Fly the Coop
By Karen Stabiner

Heather G.
Oak Grove Branch