Does an “Empty Nest” Have You Thinking About a Divorce?

One of the few constants of life is change. As you and your partner grow old together, the person that you married all those years ago has become someone different – something that happens to everybody as time passes.

One of the biggest changes that a married couple experiences is when they’ve successfully raised their child to become a fully-functioning adult. After you’ve put all the time, love and effort needed to grow a healthy adult, she or he then flies away from the home that they grew up in, launching their own lives away from their family.

The effects of an empty nest can be devastating to individuals and couples. Children are often a large part of the reason that couples become married and stay married. When that reason no longer is in play, it can force a reevaluation of both your life and your marriage.

Empty Nest Syndrome

Extreme emotions of sadness, grief and depression that may take place when parents watch their children become self-sufficient and leave the family home is often referred to as empty nest syndrome. Every individual deals with this experience in their own way. Some experience little to no sadness, but others end up grieving their empty nest deeply.

In the most extreme cases, the depression causes extended periods of crying, feelings of uselessness and the impulse to hide away from family and friends. All of these symptoms are dangerous to the health of a marriage and should be taken care of by medical professionals – especially when the symptoms are out of control.

Ramifications of the Empty Nest

One of the reasons that an empty nest causes people to think about divorce is the reevaluation of what you’re doing with your life after raising your child. Couples that stayed together only for the kids need to reconsider the pros and cons of the marriage, making efforts to amend any problems while at the same time changing routines as a married couple.

If the relationship between a married couple has deteriorated to the point where there is little common ground, it may be nearly impossible to save the marriage. In the worst cases of relationship deterioration, it may be healthier for the both of you to become divorced to prevent both parties from psychologically harming one another through an unsatisfying relationship.

Empty nest syndrome can be overcome with effort and teamwork, but not all marriages are meant to last after the kids move out and become independent on their own. Sometimes, the challenge of the empty nest can bring the both of you together, rekindling your love through the increased amount of free time the both of you have to enjoy each other. However, the empty nest syndrome can also result in a scenario where the both of you are better off divorced.

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