Reply #11: I retired 9 years ago. Wife has been stressed ever since [View All]

I sort of retired early because my job was keeping me away from home for days at a time. Now it's apparent to me that I disturb the routine that was established in the 38 years between our marriage and my retirement. I try to keep as active as I can but I had a foot injury 3 years ago that limits my mobility a bit. And I encourage her to get away from the house as often s she can but we live 1/2 hour from the nearest shopping, medical offices, movie theater or library.

What I have done is to purchase some foreclosed properties at auction and I'm in the process of remodeling and hopefully selling them someday. Even if I don't make any money on the venture it has served to keep me out of the house for a few hours a day. And the mental as well as physical stimulation is good for me and I presume my absence is relaxing to her.

This sounds sorta clinical I realize, but if I'm around the house I will sit on my ass and she resents that while she's in the process of dusting, vacuuming, washing and ironing etc. I do the dishes and some of the cooking and take care of the grounds and the animals. But I can understand it's a hard adjustment for both parties but in a traditional marriage it's especially hard on the woman.