How to Rekindle Your Romance as Empter Nesters

Married couples who have spent 18 or more years raising a family often feel lonely once their last child moves out. Even if a couple has successfully maintained a solid marriage while they were raising their children, there are still going to be some major adjustments that need to be made once it is just the two of them again. One major aspect of their lives that can change for the better is their romantic relationship.

Share Your Dreams and Hopes for the Future

Parents' dreams and hopes are so often tied up in their children that many find it a struggle to come up with any personal aspirations that they have as individuals or as couples, once their children have left home.

Take the time to think about what you would like to still achieve in your life and share your thoughts with your spouse. Just as newlyweds derive great satisfaction and joy from sharing their dreams with one another, so too can empty nesters who have been married for 20 or more years.

Make Time to Spend Together as a Couple

Many empty nesters fill their extra time with leisure pursuits they have been putting off for years, such as scrapbooking or aerobics. While everyone needs to set aside time for relaxation and recreation, it is important to consider another important way to fill your time as an empty nester: spending extra time together with your spouse.

Remember the times you both craved to be together, just the two of you without any distractions from the children? Well, now is the time to make the needed adjustments so that you can show your spouse how much you value them and their company! "Date nights" do not need to be confined to parents with young children, trying to squeeze in some precious moments together. Empty nesters can also benefit from a candlelit dinner and a night out.

Reaffirm Your Love for One Another

It does not matter if a couple has been married for 10 minutes or 30 years, they still need to know that they are cherished and loved. Let your wife know that you love her for who she is, not just because she happens to be the mother of your children. Your husband also needs to hear those three words too.

A dwindling love life can be rekindled once the children have left home if you take time to let each other know how much your spouse means to you, not just through your words, but also through your actions by listening to one another and showing tenderness and consideration for each other.

It can be hard for empty nesters to think about rekindling their romance as a couple when their children have just left home. But it is important to demonstrate to one another that your marriage is your top priority. Take the opportunity to get to know one another again by sharing your hopes and dreams, spending time together, and reaffirming your love for one another. If you do so, your marriage will become stronger and the romance will return.

More from this contributor:

How Long Should Parents Store Their Children's Belongings?

How to Adjust to Empty Nest Syndrome.

Should Parents Allow Adult Children to Move Back In?