Weekends

One topic of conversation the other night with our friends Bee and Eye, was whether the retirees needed more attention from their partners because they had been home all day or all week. So, for example, on the weekend, were Bee or I just raring to go out and party, while KW and Eye - exhausted from a work week - just wanted to watch football (Eye) or golf (KW)? Well, yes and no.

Some days it does seem as if you have not actually spoken to anyone all day, and when that guy gets home all sorts of info starts pouring out of your mouth. This is particularly difficult if you are having some sort of problem or issue that you have been mulling over. Like the election coverage of some hot topic. Or in my case getting ready for the cruise (see Cruising Blue for updates on that trip). This might not really be all that interesting to the person who has spent all day at work.

On the other hand, Bee and I have made it a point to do some sort of excursion each week, like go to the museums. Last week we went out for a nice birthday lunch at the spa. The week before we had a "work-friend" dinner, which is always fun for me because they are restaurants that I have never been to before. These outings somewhat satisfy my need to go places.

KW likes to be more of a home-body than I am, but now on weekends I tend to spend my time like I did when working - reading, shopping, talking on the phone. But mostly reading. I don't really let myself spend an entire day during the week just reading (which I did last weekend!)!

If I feel like I need to talk to someone during the week I can always pick up the phone and chat for hours without feeling stressed. Or I can head in to work for lunch and talking to several different people, or even just go shopping and people watching around town. The online version of communication is also always there, although the feedback is not as immediate.

On the other hand, the not-yet-retired partners do need to realize that there might be MORE time to visit during the weekend, to go places, etc. This might be because the retired person has taken care of some errands during the week, or just because. Something to think about.