The Secrets of Creating Successful Relationships for ‘Empty-Nesters’

Now that its official, your last kid has left and you find yourself faced with an empty nest, how are you going to deal with the depression and loneliness that will follow? Empty nest syndrome is something that most parents face at least once in their lifetime. The day a mother gives birth to her child is the day she made a commitment that would span 20-odd years of her life. Soon after that commitment is over, the time has come for her to begin with her plans for the next 20 years. Now comes the time for her to do those things that she has always wanted to do, instead of just moping around the place, and getting depressed all the time.

So, if you are a single parent whose child has just ‘flown from the nest’, this does not mean that you have to live a lonely life! It is time to go ahead and expand your friendship circle, and just go out there and mingle, have fun and feel young at heart again - and possibly find that perfect someone to share the rest of your life with! If you have already found that someone, then it is even better, but if not then do not worry we are here to help!

We are living in an age where divorce rates are at their highest peaks ever, and this does not pertain to marriages alone! Relationships are turning sour and breaking apart every day, thus creating a vicious cycle of tortured emotions and badly beaten self-confidences. So, as a mature, independent adult, how can you go about building your relationship into something that is healthy, strong and resilient?
Unlike the movies where everything is sugary sweet and ‘happy-go-lucky’, reality can be very bitter, even if you have found the right person. A happy, successful relationship lies in the extension of your willingness to spend time and energy with your mate. Just like any thing valuable, relationships need regular care and maintenance; you cannot wait for the last moment to fix things. If you do not invest in what it takes to keep your relationship vibrant and healthy now and then, then you are in for a bumpy ride. So, while the going is good, work on your relationship, and when the going gets tough, work harder on it!

Right from day one, you need to pay special attention and interest towards your partner. Show him/ her clearly that you love them. Determine their likes and dislikes, and then try to do all those little things they like, and avoid those things they dislike. As a mature adult who has probably already faced the loss of a partner, you should work harder on this relationship. Remember that your partner will probably end up making mistakes, and do exactly those things that irritate and annoy you. Your challenge here is to stay patient, and ignore these things. Do not try to even the score, and hold feelings of resentment against your partner; it is a relationship you are in and not a competition. Let go of the past unpleasant experiences - yours, as well as your partners!

Listen, discover and enjoy each other! The essential key to a long lasting, successful relationship is ‘listening’. However, this does not mean you have to agree to everything your partner says. Understand and accept what he or she is trying to say, and always be caring and attentive.