Who Will I Talk To When She’s Gone?
I’m dreading my daughter leaving home soon to go to uni. She’s the one I chat to, share jokes with, go to the pictures with and generally get on with. Her dad is quite quiet and has never really been much company. He spends more time in his precious shed than in the house! I have no idea what the two of us will talk about when she has gone. I feel like I’m losing my daughter and my best friend all at the same time.
Iknow what you mean – that closeness only the two of you have, compounded by the threat of separation. It may be little comfort to know that other families will be going through the same, but people do – and come out on the other side.
Separation is a normal, good part of growing up. Our families evolve and change, and that is right and proper and cannot be stopped. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to hold your vivacious, outgoing daughter back – and to know that she is
ready to go out into the world should fill you with pride rather than a sense of neediness. I’m not saying you are being needy – but you should see this worry as a “flag” telling you to consider how you can best forge ahead with the next stage of your enviably close relationship.
Your daughter will always be close to you mentally. You’ll still see and speak to her, just not as often. Text? Facebook? Post, even – there are many ways to cheer up your day!
You say your husband is quiet and loves his shed. Maybe he was letting you spend all that time with your daughter out of kindness. This is an opportunity for the two of you. Perhaps join a club together, dancing classes, holidays, going to the cinema, making new friends or contacting old friends. Look on this as an opportunity, not a threat.
I’m not saying you are being needy, but you need to see this worry as a warning flag