Dreading the empty nest - I need something to keep me busy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here

Thank you so much! These are some great ideas-- keep 'em coming.

I think one of the issues is efficiency-- I've pared and streamlined so much over the years of single parenthood that caring for the pets (we have three) and the house doesn't occupy a lot of time. Home projects were how I filled my spare time over the past few years, and the house is in great shape. I can't justify more renovating/ redecorating (although I do enjoy that) because I got everything the way I like it. My daughter and I did a lot of it together!

I'm intrigued by the idea of ballroom dancing, and I bet my boyfriend would be into it too. Or if he's not... is it open to solo participants? Not sure how much we'd like the actual thing. Got a recommendation for someplace to try? We're in Petworth.

And I do like gardening. The very small garden I have is finished (after several years of being my primary hobby) and requires only the most minimal maintenance now. I'll check to see if any of the community gardens in my area have spaces available. I looked before and they all had waitlists, but that was around the pandemic so maybe they've opened up a bit.

I'd love to join a hiking group. Any idea where to start? When I've looked before, everything I've found has been geared toward 20-somethings. Who are often fantastic people, but maybe not the vibe that would keep me going back.

Maybe I just need to form a DC empty nesters club. Maybe it exists and someone can point me in the right direction!

Np I am not quite an empty nester but, I tried Tango and it was really fun! My husband has no interest so I went solo and it was very welcoming. It was Queer Tango so no hard rigid rules on who leads or follows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mahjongg is becoming really popular with the 40s-50s and there are night leagues.

Dp Be careful you find a friendly group. I wanted it to be friendly but, the group I was in was very competitive and sorta mean

[Anonymous]

Mahjong! Find groups on community Listserv or community center.

[Anonymous]

You mentioned gardening, one of my retirement goals is to join a garden club. There are lots around. Maybe I can do it when my kids go to college. Right now we are really busy with work and driving them but you are giving me that idea, OP! The clubs I’ve seen so all sorts of community projects.

My other idea is to be more involved with animal rescue groups. I’ve volunteered at dog adoption events but could do more. Some need volunteers who could take dogs for short term, like a day outing or a few days. It’s less commitment than a foster. That’s an idea if you like animals.

[Anonymous]

When DS is off to college I’ll be busy with my second and third jobs to pay for it so I won’t be bored 😂 😭

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When DS is off to college I’ll be busy with my second and third jobs to pay for it so I won’t be bored 😂 😭

I am the single mom who posted previously. I don’t have time of free time because I’ve picked up a few more tutoring jobs to help pay for everything. Thankfully my son gots lots of merit and FA but the price goes up thousands of dollars every year and the few thousand my son can earn every year won’t cover all of it.

[Anonymous]

I still have one left at home but it’s already starting to feel empty since the older 2 left. I’ve always gone to the gym and done classes so that is some sense of community. I recently started playing golf somewhat regularly and learned how to play mah jonng. I found a group and we’ve been getting together to play every few weeks. Just some ideas for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mahjong! Find groups on community Listserv or community center.

Absolutely agree. I just learned how to play and I anticipate doing this until I’m old. If not this maybe bridge or another group that plays cards.

[Anonymous]

Book club?

[Anonymous]

OP I bet your dd doesn’t enjoy your time together as much as you think she does. She most likely does it out of guilt. You should start separating from her asap. If you don’t believe me ask this on any teen forum like a reddit sub.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I bet your dd doesn’t enjoy your time together as much as you think she does. She most likely does it out of guilt. You should start separating from her asap. If you don’t believe me ask this on any teen forum like a reddit sub.

WTF is wrong with you?

[Anonymous]

I think starting an empty nest club is a great idea. It could be helpful to have people to commiserate with and go through some of the mourning together.

[Anonymous]

I'm already nervous of my 14yo leaving.

[Anonymous]

Who else do you love? Friends across the country, siblings. Do you have aging parents. You have more time to visit and travel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mahjongg is becoming really popular with the 40s-50s and there are night leagues.

Dp Be careful you find a friendly group. I wanted it to be friendly but, the group I was in was very competitive and sorta mean

Mean mahjong ladies? What!?