OP, why are you even posting - - - there is no question here |
Ha, what did you think he was gonna say? "Sorry honey, as soon as the last shovel of dirt covers your grave, I'm gonna be on Tinder. You know how the promise goes - 'til death do us part' - and as soon as you're dead I'm free to look for a new squeeze." |
Jesus, enough with this "caretaker" bullshit. He was mid-50s. Gen X. Women of that generation don't "take care of" their husbands. |
Yes, there is a question. It’s hard to watch a family member move on after their spouse of many years passes away. Friends are still grieving for the deceased. It’s understandable that it takes some getting used to. Op asked about other people’s experiences with this, and for the most part, people have responded kindly about what they’ve been through. |
| People.....myob. Be happy for your family member that they have found a good companion. |
As a divorced guy in his 50s, I can tell you that there are a shitload of women who need men, too. |
Op posted about two people - a mid-fifties cousin and a 70 year old uncle. The uncle probably was looked after by his wife. And frankly, if I passed away, my 50-something husband would probably miss the person who cooked his dinner every night, cleaned the house, did his laundry and managed the household finances. He’s pretty well cared-for. |
So true. |
| A great uncle did this many years ago. My grandmother’s sister died and her husband in his late 60s found a girlfriend. They stayed together for years, until she died. Some family members had a little contempt but were a lot younger and therefore saw it as a betrayal, not simply just a lonely old man who wanted to enjoy his final years with a fun-loving woman who maybe empathized with him situation. Depends on the family. The dead or dying spouse may have given their blessing while the other survivors want to hold a torch forever for the deceased. |
| You said both women were sick for some time. These men mourned them long before they passed. It's tough to be a caregiver, then watch someone slowly die. They were ready for new relationships on their own timetable. No one can say what is normal or what that should be for someone else. |
Um....I'm 48 and I "take care" of my husband. |
| I doubt the deceased wives give af. |
And your husband will remarry for sex, not to get the dishes done. |
Yes, I'm in my late 40s and I do care for my husband. And he cares for me. It isn't one sided. Humans LIKE to have a companion, like to be cared for, like to care for somebody. |
Which means what, exactly? |