Never too old to separate it seems
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381760)
Rockingham, Australia
October 31, 2023 8:03pm CST
Our over-55s village has a mix of married couples, unmarried couples and singles. The majority are well over 55 but there are some who are still working. The 157 houses have been built in stages over a period of years.
One of the first couples to move in were very outgoing and instigated much social interaction during their time here. They were partners, having both been previously married. But now they have separated and we are feeling their pain. It has taken everyone by surprise.
The woman has bought out the man’s share in the house but now she is selling and moving to a similar but slightly smaller place just up the road. He has moved to an inner-city apartment. The house has been fitted out beautifully and will sell easily. People are queueing up to buy into complexes like this.
We’ve had a few deaths in our village but this is the first marriage break-down.
The photo is of a paperbark (Melaleuca) in full bloom. It's a good season for them this year although this is an older photo.
33 people like this
33 responses
@Orson_Kart (8250)
• United Kingdom
1 Nov 23
When you described them as “very outgoing and instigating much social interaction” I immediately thought, “swingers”. 
I am guessing they find it difficult to be loyal and therefore eventually had to move on. There, that’s my theory! 
I am guessing they find it difficult to be loyal and therefore eventually had to move on. There, that’s my theory! 5 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
1 Nov 23
Sounds reasonable, seeing as how they were previously married to others before the current arrangement.
4 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv And I think Once IS enough...
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 23
Maybe you're right. @BarBaraPrz @Orson_Kart I've always thought one partner is enough to cope with, without getting involved with more!
5 people like this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
1 Nov 23
Seperating at this time in their life could be quite a strain on both of them. May be they have each found someone
5 people like this
@patgalca (18481)
• Orangeville, Ontario
1 Nov 23
Since it was 3 years before we learned of my cousin's marriage breakdown, I'm not exactly sure how long they were married... probably around 40 years. She had to be in her 50's, 60 at the most. Unfortunately I may be seeing that same fate myself. It really sucks.
4 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
1 Nov 23
Sorry about your neighbors. That tree is stunning!
5 people like this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
2 Nov 23
It does make one wonder what kind of stress caused the separation.
3 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
1 Nov 23
Will she be moving into a unit in the same complex or no Judy?
3 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv Oh I see Judy. Well good luck to them..
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86575)
• United States
1 Nov 23
A beautiful photo for sad news. I hope they can, like the tree, “bloom” in their lives without the pain of the broken relationship.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (174208)
• United States
1 Nov 23
It's a shame they decided to call it quits... I hope they both do well separately.
3 people like this
@innertalks (23734)
• Australia
2 Nov 23
I have heard it called a grey separation when a separation occurs in later life.
Grey days indeed, going along with the grey hairs too.
I guess we never know what is happening within any relationship at the grassroots level. There must be reasons behind the actions.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 23
@innertalks But less so than in days gone by.
2 people like this
@innertalks (23734)
• Australia
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv The high and mighty, like Rupert Murdoch, would certainly not care about any shamefulness in what they do. The rest of us are still just a little bit more circumspect.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (59106)
•
1 Nov 23
There was an older couple on my street that were retired, celebrated their 50th anniversary, and filed for divorce about 2 weeks afterwards. She said she wanted to travel, and he just wanted to sit home in his chair. So off she went...surely a compromise could have been reached somehow. Their adult children were simply flabbergasted.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle I think you are right. Maybe there is something of the 'last straw breaking the camel's back' having something to do with it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59106)
•
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv
I don't think some people even try to work things out when they have a problem. Now, I do know that some things are not really possible to successfully work around--neglect, abuse of any kind, and of course those that feel they should cheat over and over. But there are others who divorce after so many years, for fairly trivial reasons. Not a lot of thought put in to finding a solution.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
1 Nov 23
It's really a painful news. Why separate at an old age when they have pulled on for so long.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv I know it happens but I think it doesn't make sense. Both of them will face a feeling of distrust if they choose another partner.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
1 Nov 23
That's a beautiful picture. The tree is stunning.
Getting separated at such age after being together for so long must have been tough for them. And it comes as a shock to others too. I just hope that they both find their happiness and have a fulfilling life ahead.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv Yes, people have to let go of past and move on. Life is too short and at such age, that becomes even more valid statement. They should enjoy it to the fullest.
1 person likes this
@jefferson126 (3670)
• Shenzhen, China
1 Nov 23
Sorry to know the first couples end up with break-up,now old couples divorce or break up is more common.don't know why it can happened.wish ppl can treasure marriage,break-up is everybody's right,but i think that's not good.
2 people like this
@jefferson126 (3670)
• Shenzhen, China
3 Nov 23
@JudyEv ,yes,painful marriage should be ended,if a couple really don't fit each other,breaking up is good way to end pain.
2 people like this
