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The Pros And Cons Of Being An Empty Nester

Updated on November 24, 2012
My empty nest
My empty nest

My Empty Nest

I recently became an almost empty nester, (one left, who's hardly ever home). Mainly because my son, the former "chief cook and bottle washer" moved out. On one hand I can say "yea," on the other hand I sigh. Let me explain why. To begin with, for quite a few years now I've relinquished my common areas to my children. I did this for several reasons. For instance,  I wanted them to learn how to be independent, then again I was too busy working, and after relinquishing it I was reluctant to take it back. Well, the decision was made for me, by my son moving out.

I'm becoming reacquainted with my kitchen. Prior to my children taking over the common areas of my home I actually knew where everything was. However, along the way I've had to bite my tongue when something was out of place. Although things were not entirely chaotic, they were done a little differently than what I was use to. I'm now trying to rearrange my kitchen, back to the way it was before I relinquished it, it's kind of fun. I'm even washing dishes by hand, not using the dishwasher and enjoying every minute of it.

The Pros And Cons

Let me give you a few of what I feel are some of the pros and cons of being an empty nester.

  1. Pro, when you put something down it's always where you put it. Con, the problem is you don't remember where you put it, and there is no one to ask or even blame.
  2. Pro, you can cook what you want and not have to consider what anyone else wants. Con, when you don't want to cook there's no one to cook for you.
  3. Pro, When you clean it stays that way. Con, when you don't want to clean there's no one else to do it.
  4. Pro, when you want peace and quiet you have it unconditionally. Con, when you want to share something that you just saw on TV, or the Internet, there's no one there.
  5. Pro, you no longer have to say "quiet." Con, at times it's just a little too quiet.
  6. Pro, if you had a child that could wear your clothes, and wear them they did, now you don't have to share. Con, you could wear their things too, but their things are no longer there for you to wear.
  7. Pro, when the phone rings, it's finally for you. Con, when the phone rings you always have to answer it, no one there to run interference.
  8. Pro, you can watch what you want on TV without compromise. Con, you always watch TV alone.
  9. When you want to take a relaxing bath, you no longer have to hurry, because someone is waiting for the bathroom. Con, there's no one to draw your bath for you, or to bring you that thing you forgot before climbing in the tub.
  10. While riding in the car you get to listen to the program of your choice. Con, there's no one to discuss what you're listening to.

So those are mine, perhaps you have more, please feel free to add yours in your comments.

Conclusion

Clearly there are true pros and cons to being an empty nester, from my prospective no one out weighs the other. I can't really say which I prefer, I do enjoy my children, however I also enjoy my personal time alone. So to you new empty nesters, you decide which you prefer.

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