• I became an empty nester this fall when my younger kid went to college. • As a single parent, it hit me hard; I have more time to myself than my married, empty-nest friends. • I've realized that as my kids start new chapters, I'd like to start my own, as well.

When my 18-year-old son started college this fall, I became an empty nester. I have a few friends with kids the same age, and have been half-jokingly bemoaning with them how quiet our houses have become.

But while my married friends are focused on the reality of figuring out life as a couple without kids at home, including taking up new hobbies together and posting photos of the travels they're now embarking on together thanks to their newfound extra time, as a single parent, the shift feels different, and lonelier.

Splittin

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