The Open Nesters
Redefining Love, Long Distance, and Returning to the Nest
Redefining Love, Long Distance, and Returning to the Nest (Season 6 | Episode 251) When Amir and I sat down with Jennifer and Chris for this episode, I knew we were in for something special. There is a quiet, profound sweetness in the way these two understand each other—a connection honed not by daily routines in the same living room, but through years of intentional presence across continents. As open nesters, so many of us are searching for ways to rewrite our stories once our kids begin to fly, and Jennifer and Chris offer a breathtaking map of what happens when you dare to choose an unconventional path. Open Nesters Podcast Ethical Non-Monogamy in Midlife Long-Distance Polyamory Relationships Navigating Relationships with Adult Children Redefining Intimacy and Relationship Design Their story began decades ago as high school sweethearts who eventually went their separate ways, traveled the world, and reconnected later in life via long-distance emails and letters. What struck me immediately was how they built a foundation of compersion —that rare, beautiful feeling of genuine joy for your partner’s happiness outside of yourself—long before they even attached a label to their relationship. By the time they officially stepped into an adult relationship together, they had already learned how to cheer each other on from afar, establishing a deep sense of trust that would soon be tested and expanded in ways neither expected. When Jennifer brought up the idea of exploring ethical non-monogamy, it wasn’t a reckless leap; it was a conscious invitation to growth. For Chris, taking those first steps into polyamory while separated by an ocean was a radical, challenging shift that required deliberate inner work. They immersed themselves in books, attended meetup groups, and established dedicated two-hour check-ins to hold space for the hard, uncomfortable conversations. Through navigating long-distance dating, time zone hurdles, and emotional friction, they discovered that opening their relationship didn’t pull them apart—it built an indestructible framework for radical honesty and deep self-awareness. What I love most about their dynamic is how fluidly they allowed their relationship to evolve. After several years of practicing polyamory, both Jennifer and Chris found themselves naturally transitioning back toward a committed, monogamous bond. Their time exploring open relationships wasn’t a “failed experiment”—it was a transformative bridge that taught them how to express their desires, set healthy boundaries, and bring a renewed sense of erotic novelty and intimacy back to each other. It’s a powerful reminder that we have full permission to design our relationships in seasons, choosing what serves our growth at any given stage of life. This spirit of openness inevitably ripples into our homes and how we show up for our adult children. Both Jennifer and Chris recently experienced the unexpected gift of having their adult daughters move back home—Jennifer’s 26-year-old daughter for ten months, and Chris’s daughter while pursuing her PhD in Germany. As parents, watching our children navigate their own adult transitions allows us to model a life of continuous self-discovery. By letting go of traditional expectations in our own lives, we create a supportive, judgment-free space where our children feel safe to grow, return, and eventually take flight again. As we move through midlife, there is so much grace in giving ourselves permission to ask for what we need, whether that’s in the bedroom, in our careers, or in our living arrangements. Aging doesn’t mean settling into static routines; it’s an invitation to step out of the “vanilla” defaults society hands us and try something new from the menu. When we embrace the pauses, practice active listening, and give ourselves grace, we realize that midlife isn’t about holding onto control—it’s about opening our hearts to whatever rich experiences are waiting for us next. Reframing “Addiction” If there’s one takeaway from my conversation with Jennifer and Chris, it’s that there is no single right way to be an open nester. Whether you are navigating long-distance longing, rethinking your relationship design, or welcoming adult kids back into your spare room, the secret lies in savoring every season for what it is. I encourage you to pause, listen closely to your partner and yourself, and step boldly into your next chapter. What is one area in your relationship or life where you could give yourself more permission to grow this week? Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest: Open Nesters Resource Page The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group About Tessa Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters. Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program and journey facilitator & leader, author and, of course, Podcaster. Her offerings are based in her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open hearted lives. Please email Tessa to make a connection. If you like, please answer the question: What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. 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