As the children begin to leave home, many modern couples are still embroiled in their own careers. They do notice the house has become empty, but they fill their time with getting ahead before retirement hits. They see it as a good investment for their future, but it is only a financial solution. Their relationship with their life partner might be crumbling, but few of them find the time to seek solutions that will work for both of them. Seeking lifestyle solutions as a couple is an important way to help them advance their relationship before the nest is completely empty.
Work, home and children are important for couples during the early and middle years of their marriage, so they tend to focus on them. Each of them believes their relationship will survive well after the children are gone, and they see it as a time when they can just relax together. Few of them have solid plans on how they will spend their time, and they have forgotten that people change as they age. Their tastes in food, clothing, activities and even living conditions will be modified by their years with children, so it is best to plan as a couple what their future together will look like when the children are gone.
Planning together should begin as the youngest child begins to search for colleges or universities to attend, and it should be done in a relaxed atmosphere. The couple should remember that they will still continue to work for at least a few years after their children are gone, and it should be part of their time to make adjustments. They do not need to be concerned about doing everything together, and they should plan on having time to enjoy their own separate pursuits.
Making a plan for this life stage is about recognizing how each person has grown through the years, and couples who take the time to learn about their partner are on the right path to keeping their relationship intact. For those who are interested in creating an entirely new lifestyle, the joy of planning it out can enhance their life together.
