My youngest just left for college and suddenly I feel like my social circle is shrinking. Most of my friends are either busy with grandkids or deep into their careers. Does anyone else feel left behind? How do you keep friendships alive and fill that empty space?
I totally understand where youβre coming fromβI felt that exact same tug when my son flew the nest last year. It helped me to reach out one-on-one instead of waiting for group hangs. I invited an old friend for coffee, and we ended up chatting for hours like no time had passed. You might also try a new hobbyβlast spring I joined a pottery class at the local community center and met a great bunch of people. Even volunteering at the library story hour gave me a fresh routine and new connections. Little steps like these made the silence less daunting and my calendar a lot more interesting!