There's a great (and really disturbing) article in the current Atlantic by Derek Thompson entitled "The Anti-Social Century." It's not exactly on your topic but I think it's related. All about the alarming increase in self-imposed isolation. My guess is that if people understood the importance of community they would have a better idea of what to do with themselves after they stop working.
My husband, born in '56, is an anomaly. His dad cooked, helped with the dishes and housework, and worked full-time at Ma Bell. His mom worked, too, in a department store. Everyone was raised to help out. He's a crier and so was his dad.
My husband enjoys not working (though he has a part-time job), while I do not.
I wonder how some people managed to slip through the gender norm cracks.
Great article that I’ll be sharing with my brother.
He was born in ‘59 and has worked remotely for the past 10 years. (He worries about not being politically correct especially after a few drinks) because societal norms have changed a lot.
He feels people are too easily offended these days and avoids social situations except with family.
Interestingly he fears retirement. (I’ll let him know about the Atlantic article, too.) This is a widespread problem for lots of men due to their upbringing. Thanks for shining a well needed light. 💡
Very informative. It would be great if men generally felt safer and more comfortable talking about their fears, concerns and feelings--to friends as well as professionals. We all need a person or two with whom it's OK to express vulnerability and not be negatively judged for it.
There's a great (and really disturbing) article in the current Atlantic by Derek Thompson entitled "The Anti-Social Century." It's not exactly on your topic but I think it's related. All about the alarming increase in self-imposed isolation. My guess is that if people understood the importance of community they would have a better idea of what to do with themselves after they stop working.
Thanks, Susie. I will check it out. I think it is related, since we of the male persuasion are not especially gifted at maintaining close friendships.
My husband, born in '56, is an anomaly. His dad cooked, helped with the dishes and housework, and worked full-time at Ma Bell. His mom worked, too, in a department store. Everyone was raised to help out. He's a crier and so was his dad.
My husband enjoys not working (though he has a part-time job), while I do not.
I wonder how some people managed to slip through the gender norm cracks.
Leslie, I suppose some men, like your husband, were never comfortable following the other sheep.
Great article that I’ll be sharing with my brother.
He was born in ‘59 and has worked remotely for the past 10 years. (He worries about not being politically correct especially after a few drinks) because societal norms have changed a lot.
He feels people are too easily offended these days and avoids social situations except with family.
Interestingly he fears retirement. (I’ll let him know about the Atlantic article, too.) This is a widespread problem for lots of men due to their upbringing. Thanks for shining a well needed light. 💡
Thank you for the kind words!
One of your very best ever contributions to understanding geezers!
Thank you, my fellow geezer!
Very informative. It would be great if men generally felt safer and more comfortable talking about their fears, concerns and feelings--to friends as well as professionals. We all need a person or two with whom it's OK to express vulnerability and not be negatively judged for it.
Wendl, that's very true - and easier said than done. Breaking this embedded programming is as hard a struggle as escaping earth's gravity.