I will be retiring within the next year at age 62. Naturally, my spouse and I have sometimes differing opinions on how we would like to spend our golden years. We agree that it is important to see our grand kids regularly, without being on a set schedule as day care providers. We also agree that maintaining two residences (one north, one south) is, for the time being, desirable.
On other things we are on completely different pages. For example, one of us would like to do a lot of international travel, while the other dreads the thought of struggling through the hassles associated with staying in a foreign country. One of us is comfortable with, and in fact desires, a significant amount of alone and stay at home time, while the other prefers frequent socializing as a couple. One of us would prefer to spend more time up north, while the other wants the opposite.
The obvious answer to dealing with these disagreements is compromise and tolerance by both of us. Of course, this simple answer works for some and not for others. I would be interested in hearing from those out there that have struggled with this type of marital discord post-retirement.
Are there people out there who were happily married until retirement came along? And conversely, are there people who were struggling and found that retirement significantly improved their relationship? And if you are out there, would you be willing to share stories of how your story turned out?
On other things we are on completely different pages. For example, one of us would like to do a lot of international travel, while the other dreads the thought of struggling through the hassles associated with staying in a foreign country. One of us is comfortable with, and in fact desires, a significant amount of alone and stay at home time, while the other prefers frequent socializing as a couple. One of us would prefer to spend more time up north, while the other wants the opposite.
The obvious answer to dealing with these disagreements is compromise and tolerance by both of us. Of course, this simple answer works for some and not for others. I would be interested in hearing from those out there that have struggled with this type of marital discord post-retirement.
Are there people out there who were happily married until retirement came along? And conversely, are there people who were struggling and found that retirement significantly improved their relationship? And if you are out there, would you be willing to share stories of how your story turned out?