WBW: Navigating His Midlife Crisis

The XY Code

At 53, I have not yet had a midlife crisis. This means either I’m going to live a very long time, or I just skipped it. I’m guessing the latter, and hoping it’s both!

A midlife crisis is usually a result of realising your life is half over, and you’ve not done what you wanted to do, or feeling what you have done isn’t enough. Some want to “leave a legacy” and start to worry they may not have the time to do so. Others feel they’re getting too old for some of the adventures they’ve been putting off for years. The classic image of a man having a midlife crisis is buying a red sports car and getting a girlfriend barely older than his daughter. Many men do less extreme things, while others just get depressed and give up.

If your husband is in the midst of a midlife crisis, be understanding, don’t condone sin, and hang on for a rough ride. He’s not thinking rationally at this point, and expecting him to listen to reason is going to end in frustration. What’s more, he may blame you, because who wants to blame themselves. This makes you the last person he wants to hear from. A trusted male friend has the best chance to get him to think clearly.

If your husband is nearing 40, you might be able to do some midlife crisis prevention. Talk with him about his life; what he likes about it, what he doesn’t like, and what he feels is missing. Encourage him in what he wants to do, even if it will cost both of you. Help him make some good choices now so he won’t be tempted to do something rash in the future.

And yes, once again, he needs adventure, and he needs good male friends. These things can prevent a midlife crisis.

~ Paul – I’m XY, and I have scheduled my midlife crisis for my 100th birthday.

[This post first appeared Oct 29, 2014.]

Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly created with stockdreams.ai
Shop Amazon ♦ Shop to give links page
We’re donation supported Thanks for your help!
This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosure for info.

The post WBW: Navigating His Midlife Crisis appeared first on The XY Code.