My partner and I have just moved to France to retire, After a life time of working I have waited for this moment, fishing, writing, painting, generally loafing around. Since we came here 1 year ago I have built a new kitchen, redecorated 3 of the 5 bedrooms, built furniture, built a dining room re floored 6 rooms, I am tired out. When I mentioned painting to my partner, bless her, she bought me a 5 litre tub of emulsion and a new roller. Do other retired menfolk have this problem?
p.s. Wouldn't change her for anything...well maybe a new car
2007-09-04 04:08:05 · 30 answers · asked by Lord Percy Fawcette-Smythe. 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
You are right LouLou, She does tell me to go fishing, as I am about to leave she says as you are going out just call in the supermarket and get me... and while you are down the town would you call in ... fishing abandoned, mind you I wouldn't do all these things unless I deep down wanted to. Yes it is a dream house deep in rural Normandie, and we love it. I would be bored otherwise.
2007-09-04 04:29:28 · update #1
I have a confession to make, I did 28 years in the RAF and as such had to make and mend, so, wait for it fellas, I put on a DVD and do the ironing, there I have said it, Cant stand men who cant fend for them selves, She does adore me, I am a nice guy and a gentleman.
2007-09-04 04:37:35 · update #2
That you are. You are the sweetest. I gave you a star.
If only all men were as considerate as you.
2007-09-04 09:46:36 · answer #1 · answered by Moe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOVE your sense of humor!!!
And, Congratulations on your retirement!
Most retired couples tell me they are busier than when they were working a full-time job. Has your sweet, darling, partner been busy in other ways? PERHAPS she is not appreciating what you have done. Tell her she's lovely... and perhaps you have been neglecting her.
If she responds to that, you might also mention the painting or writing, as a possible small way of making a little extra money, should you become a published artist, or writer. Tell her you are seeking balance in your retirement moments.
Please don't see me as too morbid here. I just must share this story with you.
I knew a widow who had worked hard for her retirement. She tragically developed Alzheimer's immediately upon retiring. Her daughter was devastated, because she had been happy for her mother.
A sad story, to remind us to slow down, and enjoy today. May you and your partner be able to do that sometimes.
God bless. Happy restorations. Not just to your home, but to your fun and happiness. TAKE a fishing trip, for sure!
2007-09-04 04:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by C Sunshine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get rid of the partner, partner. You are retired, hire someone to do the painting and flooring. Get you partner to help. She can't paint, then have her clean the brushes, spread the tarp out, scrape the walls sand, buy the paint, do the shopping, help with the flooring, carry the wood, hand you the nails. Get real man, where have you been your whole life. Your partner is taking advantage of you and you are allowing that. Believe me she knows it too. Good Luck, your life is being shortened everytime you exhaust yourself doing stupid things to keep her happy. She probably wants the place all fixed up to look nice so she can get a good price for it when she sells it after you drop dead from all the work. Get her butt involved or stop all the fixing. Besides Paris stinks anyway.
2007-09-04 04:24:06 · answer #3 · answered by FILE 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Do a little work, take a break for a day or two. When she asks why you are not working on what she wants you to do, just tell her you work better when you have taken a break and rested. Then go back to the job at hand with a renewed energy.
I know my aunt keeps my uncle really busy. They keep building on to their house and garage. They almost touch - the house and detached garage.
He still does things he likes to do. Bass fishing.
Good Luck.
2007-09-04 04:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by mjennings_cot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Retired to the English lakes some time a go, I keep the place reasonable a bit of maintenance but that's all (but you don't seem to have got the idea your retired ) I Go for a walk on a Fell or round a lake or both. I contemplate my navel ( they can't lock you up for it if you do it in private, I hope) read a book, go to the Pub,Often.
And I try to write poems but try is the operative word.
2007-09-04 19:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by inthedark 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hawhawhawhaw, sounds to me like you two are going to be enjoying a wonderful "golden period". Husband and I are "up there in age" now, and our whole married life he has wanted to be "handy", but he just isn't. I couldn't let him anywhere near any kind of home project that didn't call for a sledgehammer and a crowbar. If you need something demolished, you call my husband with the only two tools he really knows how to use. In spite of this, like you, I wouldn't trade my spouse in for anything either, and fortunately we are in a position to be able to hire all the clever remodelling stuff done.
2007-09-04 04:22:58 · answer #6 · answered by sharmel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a generational thing.if she is 60 or over-she and urself-were growing up at a time when painting walls,etc.was "mens work."today,young newlyweds both do the painting,decorating,etc.,but at the time this woman was growing up,mowing lawns and all that was "mens work."she is a product of her generation,she isnt purposely trying to kill u with work.just say plainly "i'm tired,i could use a bit of help on this project.lets both grab a paintbrush,it'll be fun."then turn on the radio,chat and work together.its as easy as that.enjoy ur retirement!
2007-09-04 04:19:25 · answer #7 · answered by adam h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I bet she is just loving that you are home to do these things now when before you used to be trapped at work. Good job on all of the tasks you've accomplished. Maybe you could just talk to her and let her know that you would like some relaxation time. My guess is you'll get bored and start painting. :D Good luck.
2007-09-04 04:13:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
well.. just think.. u get it all done.. u will have a nice house.. u wanna go fishin?.. well offer to drop your partner in town!!
Make sure u make time for yourself.. maybe one weekend you could take your partner fishing with you.. then maybe you can start doing other thing together.. you sound like a caring man, and im sure she adores u, and only gives you all these jobs to keep u occupide..
Why not do something together? a nice romantic meal.. long weekend im paris...
A dinner cruise.. maybe you could re-new your wedding vows/get married, to show her you still love her and she can spend time with you and not make u paint... sorry.. i worded all that wrong and got carried away.. lol.. good luck x
2007-09-05 04:22:43 · answer #9 · answered by Darlin'x 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she thinks you might get a wee bit bored if you have too much time on your hands!! When my dad retired, my mum had him doing allsorts around the house. He had to book some free time to do the things that he was looking forward to doing in his retirement!!! Wish you both a long and happy time in France.
2007-09-04 04:29:56 · answer #10 · answered by Angela M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Blimey your wife doesn't know how lucky she is to have a partner who has done so much DIY work. My other half is a professional painter and decorator and if I even dare to mention anything relating to 'decorating our home' he runs for the hills. Something to do with a busman's holiday methinks !!! Put your feet up, tell her you're knackered and get laid into the local vino!!
2007-09-04 04:22:55 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋