A family is a unit, of parents, children and sometimes grandparents, cohabiting under the same roof, held together by genes and similar traits. With onerous burdens of the outside world, a family is what we come back to. And when family expectations exceed limits, friends are whom we bank on. For a menopausal woman both units become strong allies as she merrily dallies between the two!
Life is rosy for a young couple. The entry of children renders meaning, but when teenagers cohabit with teenagers, a family can be reduced to a mad house of sorts! With time, docile children turn into rebels, thanks to the adrenaline rush! Which means that pubescent children who are coping with physical changes and middle-aged parents coping with health changes, spell tense moments for families worldwide.
“Your ideas are outdated. You’ve become a moody nag”, are some bitter words a woman gets to hear from her fledglings and even her soul mate! The cessation of menstruation, onset of hot flushes, a flabby body, growing children, a less than satisfactory sex life, perceived threat from husband’s young secretary, husband’s busy schedule, mood swings et al are more than a handful.
Understanding from one’s family and companionship from friends can alter a menopausal woman’s life for the better. Couples who have had an understanding relationship right from the start are able to better cope with menopause. Nothing equals communication, sprinkled with a bit of humor and time spent together! Women must remember what it was to be an awkward adolescent. Tolerance from adults can bridge the generation gap and teenagers have a valuable role model. Regular family outings, interaction with same sex and age friends, sailing on the same boat with families that are sailing on the same boat as you, inspiring each other, are some things that ‘you’ as a woman can initiate.
There’re couples that learn yoga, meditate, go for walks, go vacationing together sans the kids, or with other middle-aged couples, participate in community activities, or just date each other. One vital lesson that couples must learn at this stage is to be together. Despite busy schedules, couples must endeavor to spend weekends together. It pays to invest time learning a vocation your spouse enjoys.
Lastly, younger couples should remember to live in the ‘now’. Today well lived can render beautiful memories devoid of regrets. ‘Today’ is still a present. Have more fun under the sheets, humor and arouse each other, laugh with your children, go for that check-up now and bond with that trusted female friend.
