| Just the Two of Us Again - September Edition | |
It isn't easy to let go of a child. It isn't easy to relate to your children as adults. However, isn't this the goal of parenthood? To give them roots and to give them wings and to watch them fly away is to be a successful parent.
The National Center of Health Statistics reports that during 1981 to 1991, there was a 16 percent increase in the divorce rate among couples who have been married 30 or more years. The major issues that couples in the second half of marriage need to deal with are the same as younger couples. These include dealing with conflict, being able to communicate, sexual concerns, finances, and children. However, older couples need to also cope with their health, learn how to have fun together again, plan for their retirement years, and decide what to do about their aging parents.
Marital burnout doesn't have to happen. You don't have to get on one another's nerves. You can make sure that old issues don't resurface. Talk with one another about how you feel when your roles change. Be aware of one or the other withdrawing or avoiding discussions. Don't assume that you know what your partner is thinking. Watch how you talk to one another. Work at letting go of negative comments or putting one another down. Although you may wonder if you two will survive the second half of marriage, you can make it a tremendous journey of discovery and joy. And just think, you'll have the kitchen and remote all to yourselves!
How to Survive the Second Half of Your Marriage
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