When you’re not used to living with another person, adapting to marriage at 47 can be difficult.
Growing up I never fantasized about being a bride. I don't know why, I just saw myself working and living alone. I couldn't wait to have my own apartment. And I loved living by myself. I always had a good job as a nurse. I had friends and a man I could have married, but the timing was not right.At age 47, out of nowhere, Bill came into my life and suddenly I found myself married! Suddenly, I was in a 5 bedroom house with another person who had completely different habits from me! He was a neat freak and I was not so neat! He was a homebody and I liked to go to the movies and out to eat. The first time I came home with a new rug and accent pillows for the sofa, he hated them. I had spent too much money, in his opinion and he hated my taste. I was not used to considering anyone else's opinions or feelings when it came to money or decorating. I couldn't even cook what I wanted to eat without consulting him. I had to give up some of my favorite ways of cooking. Losing myself was the hardest. No, the arguing was the hardest. I was the one to avoid confrontation, at all costs. He raised his voice if I left the cabinet door open. Thank goodness the last 10 years have taught us both lots of lessons. We still argue, but now I know that when he yells at me, we aren't on the verge of divorce!
