My Husband’s Taken Over My Kitchen
When my husband retired, I had visions of lovely meals that we could cook at our leisure and share. However, the reality is that he has taken over my kitchen and drives me mad by cooking our evening meal. He loves to grill meat, but if we have steak one more time I will scream. I don’t want to put him off cooking altogether, but what can I do to keep the peace?
Retirement is supposed to be such a blessing – you are alive, you do not have to go to work and there may even be money to spend on a few luxuries. However, with a sudden influx of “down time” and a new regime to be sorted out, there are often teething problems.
Your husband is obviously active and wants to be useful. I expect he sees cooking the evening meal as being helpful. Granted, it does seem a shame
that he doesn’t have a bigger repertoire currently. Maybe do the weekly shop yourself and make sure there are options that you like as well. You could ask for a vegetarian option while he enjoys his grilled meat.
Maybe look at holidays that include some cookery courses for both of you. Then you can take it in turns – which sounds a bit more balanced? It does seem a bit all or nothing and he needs to be encouraged to see that cooking rotas can be shared.
But more to the point, it seems to me that your husband needs a plan for his retirement, and that cooking is only one area. How about exercise, social activities or an educational interest to expand the mind?
I am sure there are plenty of local options – seek and ye shall find.
Maybe do the weekly shop yourself and make sure there are options that you will like