Maybe your kids are finally out of the house. Maybe you’ve just retired. Maybe one of you has had a major change in health status. Marriage is about the journey through all phases of life. The skills and lifestyle that works in one phase may not work in your new phase. These transition phases can be hard on a marriage. You may be thrilled as you look forward to a second honeymoon season with your spouse, or you may be asking yourself, “Without the kids, do we have enough to hold us together?”
Many couples attempting a second honeymoon realize that their marriage was moved to the backburner years ago, and they’re daunted by the consequences. After many years of putting children first, you may be emotionally drained and feeling disconnected from your spouse. All those things you’ve been postponing – the issues that are deprioritized when you have kids or another major issue – are now waiting for you.
Your reaction might be to “get busy” in other ways to avoid facing the relational challenges that are now staring you