After your kids left, being an “empty nester” would have taken some getting used to. When children leave home, some couples enjoy a second honeymoon.

Fast forward to today, and you’re embracing the senior citizen phase of Retirement with your significant other. Just as in those earlier years, this new phase demands adaptation. However, there’s a striking parallel: the sudden decline in responsibilities and concerns. You may have bid farewell to the workforce, enabling you to indulge in late mornings, daytime naps, or early bedtimes if that suits your fancy. Home maintenance burdens disappear when you move to a senior apartment or assisted living facility.

We might also describe this juncture as a “third honeymoon,” an opportunity to take advantage of this newfound Lifestyle to reconnect and infuse new life into your marriage, even if you’ve been wed for several decades. So, how can you go about keeping your marriage vibrant during retirement?

The first step is to prioritize it. In the initial stages of your relationship, romance and mutual exploration were your raison d’être. Unfortunately, as people focus on their careers, homes, finances, and children, they often prioritize romance less.

Now is the time to reintroduce genuine romance into your lives. If you’re unsure where to start, Hollywood offers a plethora of suggestions. A wonderful, low-cost, and Stress-free activity to enjoy with your spouse is to watch classic Hollywood romantic comedies together. As you observe Tinsel Town’s leading lights portray the essence of romance, you can gather a plethora of ideas for infusing your own marriage with romantic excursions and adventures.

Surprise is a key element of what makes romance exhilarating. Even if you believe there’s nothing with which to surprise your spouse, it doesn’t preclude you from occasionally springing a romantic and enjoyable surprise or an unexpected, affectionate “hello.” Imagine your partner returning home from volunteer work to discover the entire apartment adorned with candles and ribbons, and you, looking resplendent, ready to spend the evening celebrating your connection as a couple. Unless your partner possesses a heart of stone, such a surprise is bound to be cherished.

Imagine surprising your spouse with a romantic gesture after their afternoon tea with friends. Regardless of the time of day, this kind of unexpected gesture is certain to ignite their passion.

Romance is all about enjoyment, laughter, and recapturing the youthful spirit you once shared. During retirement, you have the luxury of prioritizing each other and making one another your top concern. This change will be refreshing and allow you to be playful and romantic with your partner. And, if you feel particularly energetic, that’s perfectly acceptable. After all, you’ve earned it.

Retirement can be a chance to rejuvenate your marriage and make it more enjoyable. Embrace this phase of life and let your love flourish anew.

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired