This is a guest post from Mary Lloyd of Mining Silver, located in University Place, Washington. Mining Silver is dedicated to providing resources for using the potential of the retired segment of the population more effectively. Her contact information is at the end of this guest post. Thanks Mary.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as you step into retirement is assuming your spouse wants what you want. Husbands who’ve gotten undivided attention on weekends may find that’s not the case when “together” is 24/7. Wives expecting a full-time handyman can be equally disappointed when he leaves to play tennis every morning.
Are you dreaming of world travel? What does your sweetheart think of that kind of gallivanting? Are you planning on volunteering with a certain organization and expecting he/she will be all for that? Check it out.
Talking about the lifestyle and life you both want once you retire is essential. But make it a problem-solving discussion where you are both getting what you need in what you decide to do.
It helps to know gender roles might change at this point, too. Women who haven’t tried their hand at something outside the home often want to take up that challenge at this stage of life. Likewise guys tend to find the support roles more appealing than before.
The beauty of retirement is the flexibility, but if you have a significant other in your life, it’s has to flex for him/her, too. Make sure you do a good job on that and the rest will be sweeter.
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Mary Lloyd is a speaker and consultant. More on relationships in retirement can be found in her book "Supercharged Retirement: Ditch the Rocking Chair, Trash the Remote, and Do What You Love."Her website is www.mining-silver.com and she can be reached at mary@mining-silver.com.
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