Beginning to Thrive

[Pat]

After a rocky start alone in our "empty nest" - and I really felt as though my husband and I were seprating without actually splitting up. There are a few hints that we'll survive and will beging to thrive.


My going out walking everyday has given him time alone in the house. he has spenet more time with retired colleagues and his retired brother. I think they've been talking about things he couldn't talk about with me re: us being alone, just the 2 of us.


My walking group meets once a week and I've started walking alone - though not so far and not for so long. Yesterday as I was getting my small backpack ready, my husband got my walking boots out for me AND asked if he could come with me.


I was shocked and happy at the same time. I was also a little fearful as we finished getting ready - WHAT WOULD WE TALK ABOUT?


It turned out fine, a little awkward in the silences until he said "listen to those birds" and the silence became a silence shared rather than a canyon between us. We didn't talk about recent times. Maybe we don't need to now.

[haidyl]

I can actually relate to what you just said. Initially, I couldn't understand that we both needed to be on our own at times but once that became a reality, our relationship began to thrive. You have no idea how happy the both of you will be, if you continue doing this. Keep the fire burning.