Rtd.

There must be a middle ground too. My wife and I enjoy common interests but also enjoy doing our own thing. We go on holiday, she is happy to relax with a book and a drink by the pool or whatever, Son is the same. Daughter and I get bored after two maybe three days at a push. We then have to go off and explore in the car, on foot or hire some bikes. Whether the children are with us or not I don't think that will change. Gives us all something to talk about in the evening.

The good thing to come out of COVID was spending time at home. My wife was used to having the house all to herself, with the dog, all day, five days/week. You see couples where one person has run the house while the other has been out all week. The one who is out all week retires and doesn't know what to do. They are suddenly trespassing on the other persons space. It's great to spend time together however we are still individuals who have individual interests. I'll be that person who disappears for a few days and returns to get a bollocking, not because I've done anything I shouldn't have but because I was having such a good time I forgot to report in. Thankfully, my car and phone will clock-in for me and tell my wife where I am but you know, you should pick up the phone and speak and often forget.