The Hidden Truth of My Not-So-Empty Nest

As the author's children have grown up and left home, she expected to have an empty nest, but instead, she finds herself dealing with a different problem: her husband's reluctance to leave the house. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their usual activities, and now her husband is content staying home, surrounded by his books and collections. The author reflects on the importance of friendships and alone time, both for herself and her husband, and suggests that men of a certain age may benefit from having a space to socialize outside of the home. She also highlights the growing trend of women embracing independence and solo travel as they age. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for balance between spending time together and enjoying moments of solitude at home.