Good evening @brandysparks, and to all other members of Connect who have found this subject of interest. Ten years ago I met a gentleman on "E Harmony". We definitely had similar interests in art and our grandchildren. We even had the same textbooks in graduate school, and had both spent quite a few years as therapists for high school and collegiate students.

Doesn't sound too bad does it.? We could both quote client-centered Carl Rogers from his "On Becoming a Person " book. We decided that was enough. I sold my mountain home in California and moved my art and myself to the Midwest. We had great fun remodeling a wonderful home right on the Mississippi River. The grandchildren were treasures and we loved having them visit with their parents.

Then, all of a sudden or so it seemed, we found ourselves in the category called "AGING"-----Prostate cancer......reverse shoulder surgery.......weight gain......small fiber neuropathy. Our visits were most often to medical facilities. We developed gratitude for our proximity to the Mayo Clinic.

Mentally, we found ourselves blaming these difficult aging issues and the impact of their treatment on each other. Visits from friends and family members were delayed or canceled. My favorite playtime activity was feeding chipmunks.

Somehow I sold him on the idea of Couples Therapy. It went pretty well until it didn't. He got a referral to a personal therapist to justify his wants and needs. I found myself in Cognitive operational therapy to help me cope with pain and loneliness.

I can see opportunities appearing.. There is absolutely more sharing and acceptance. So my message to you all is to not give up. You and your partner deserve to find the joy of happiness.

Chris