I’m at the beginning of my Open Nest Era. My youngest just graduated high school this past May and moved into his dorm just a few weeks ago. It still blows my mind, even though I've known this day was coming for 18 years.

In anticipation of this upcoming change in my life, I’ve started getting out more and doing “just me” things.

I tried joining a local women’s group specifically for women in the middle stage of life. I’ve been to a few group coffee dates and monthly meetings that give a recap of the past month’s events, share what’s coming up, a brief talk from a guest speaker, and maybe a fun activity to get everyone involved. It was okay for a while but over time, I’ve felt more “eh” about the whole thing. So, that’s gone by the wayside. Which is fine…at least I tried it.

I joined so that I could get to know women outside of my normal bubble and who are perhaps in the same stage of life because of one major motivation…

I’m craving female companionship.