LL Cool J, 56, and his wife Simone I. Smith are now empty nesters after their youngest daughter's graduation, and the rapper is "grateful" for his four children and three grandchildren. He emphasized the importance of pursuing dreams and fulfilling one's purpose while supporting his children's endeavors. LL's children have pursued careers in music, fashion, real estate, and hip-hop, and he continues to lead by example, recently reprising his role in NCIS and appearing in a Super Bowl commercial.
A parent seeks advice on coping with the mixed emotions of their 23-year-old son moving 2,000 miles away, considering his past mental health challenges and their own anxiety. The columnist advises dealing with the emotional roller coaster privately through counseling, self-care, distractions, and nurturing activities, without burdening the son. The parent is reminded that their role has changed as their child became an adult, and it's important to be patient with oneself during this transition. In a separate question, another person expresses nervousness about starting therapy and is encouraged to write down doubts and fears as a way to address them in therapy, emphasizing the importance of setting the agenda and finding a supportive therapist.
Reality TV star Kate Gosselin is reportedly living alone in her North Carolina home after her remaining sextuplets moved out for college. With four of her children now out of the house, Kate is facing financial difficulties and is said to be living paycheck to paycheck. She has not returned to nursing and has been recognized by locals, though not always positively. Kate's recent attempts at reality TV, including appearances on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and Kate Plus Date, have been short-lived.
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.
