The title of the last movie I saw in a cinema was "Joyeuse Retraite" which means "HAPPY RETIREMENT"
When I hear women talking about retirement of their husbands I noticed that the retirement is not so happy at all ! The most difficult thing is that she has to get used to have him in her feet the whole day around and he if he has no special hobby is turning around like a tiger in its cage.
To keep himself busy he suddenly is very interested in how a broom is used, where to start with the vacuum cleaner or how to peel the potatoes ! Not that he wants to take over these chores ! Far from there, but as he thinks he is a household specialist he as to give instructions of how to use these utensils or work efficiently. As in his head everything is theoretical and in her head practical, this brings troubles and quarrels. Suddenly he is surprised that the floor becomes dirty when you come in with dirty shoes and that the bed has to be made every day if you don't want to sleep in an unmade bed. For him of course it was made every night when he went to bed.
It takes some time until both parts come to an agreement. Some man think it is totally normal that he enjoys retirement life, while she also retired, has suddenly more work to do if he sits the whole day and watches TV and waits for meals.
Some men want to help but are not allowed, because she of course does everything better. Others think that cleaning and working in the household is not a work for men.
Apparently it takes more or less 3 years until the couple, often married since 40 years or more find a compromise to live in peace together or they just divorce, that happens too !
Linking to Linda G. Hills SOCS - Last Movie
I've learned to stay out off Mary's way during the day...
ReplyDeleteMy dad had to make adjustments.
ReplyDeleteThis is a process I am going through at the moment. We aren't doing too badly. We each have our own jobs to do and I spend time at the computer while R spends time with the tv.
ReplyDeleteHe retired first due to ill health so it was him who had to get used to me being home all day asking him to do jobs. We both have similar hobbies and do a lot of things together. I enjoy that. Now as he slows down he spends a lot of time in front of his computer and i take part in village activities. Everyone must learn to give and take in a relationship.
ReplyDeleteWe're doing it gradually - he still works 3 days per week and one of the days he's home we're grandsitting but yes adjustments do have to be made.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is still working a lot, but if he would have to do more in the house, my mum would gladly let him I think.
ReplyDeleteThankfully we haven't had any issues.
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