I've been doing some research; apparently male menopause actually does exist, and it has a name: Andropause. Who knew? And not only does it carry many of the physical symptoms of our menopause, it's also a real mid-life crisis, emotionally and psychologically as well. "This is often a time in life," says one source, "when stability has been achieved and the struggles that were once a large part of life are at an end." Well that explains it!
Here's what encouraged me to research this subject. A couple of days ago (literally) my sweet, conservative, non-risk-taking, tattoo-hating husband announced that he was considering buying himself a motorcycle. Yesterday (the next day after his announcement, while my jaw was still hanging open) he asked me did I want to go to Chattanooga with him today to pick up his motorcycle.
Even now, that man is on his way to Chattanooga. (We decided I would stay here with Sophie because it wouldn't be a pleasant trip for her as she would have to spend some time in the car while Vann is in the motorcycle dealership doing whatever one must do to take possession of a motorcycle. A MOTORCYLE, people!!!!) Chattanooga is apparently the place where andropausal men go to buy their motorcycles. I don't know.
I'm not letting any cats of the bag when I disclose that I have a horror of motorcycles--Vann knows this. But there's no way I was going to "put my foot down" on this subject. (If you saw yesterday's post, you know I have the shoes to do it.) If a motorcycle is what it takes to make my hubby happy, then OK (I guess).
I blame not only andropause for this development, I also blame our neighbor friends Bob and Kim (not a couple, just two cycle enthusiasts). They both have motorcycles, and they both extol the experiences of bike-riding. Oh and Alex too. Another neighbor of ours. Alex is about 9 years old and constantly drives by our house on his little motor scooter. Alex was probably the last straw for Vann.
I should be happy, I know. I've read about those men who handle their mid-life crises by having affairs or running off to Tahiti or somewhere. Getting hair implants and face lifts. And all my husband is doing is buying a motorcycle. Oh God! A MOTORCYCLE! Do you know that one synonym for motorcycle is "roulette wheel?" I looked it up.
Note: I know that the photo at the top of this post in no way matches the subject matter. But I needed something calm for my nerves. Oh dear, won't somebody please pour me a glass of wine?
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Now I ask you: does this look like a couple of leather-wearing easy riders to you?
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On 06/05/2008, debbie said ...
Oh My Gosh! Hubby called me from Wyoming just yesterday 'cause some guy he works with has one for sale. I'm not wild on the idea either, so I told him he had to sell the other car and truck (which have sat in my garage for 5 years)...Oh no, that didn't work 'cause he said okay.
Why can't men just have hot flashes, buy shoes and get over it? Noooo, they have to buy two-wheeled, widow makers! (And try to justify it with the excuse of saving gas...humph).
On 06/05/2008, angie said ...
Men are like that at all ages. They think in a different way from us.Relax if it's possible because you should stare at his cycle and say or listen to how nice and fantastic it is!
On 06/05/2008, Liz said ...
Motorcycles. Eek. But I understand, most of my Dad's friends have them now. The one thing keeping him from joining the club is my uncle (also our insurance agent) who threatened to drop his policy if he buys one. :)
Why cant men have a crisis like we do? Buy shoes. Clean out a flea market? It's much safer. :) Your little dog is ADORABLE!
On 06/05/2008, Beverly said ...
Susan, this is exactly what happened to one of the ladies that I work with a few years ago.
Her husband did the same thing. In fact he kept the one he bought a few years, and then decided to trade it in for a bigger one.
But, alas now it hurts his hip to ride the bike so it has just recently been sold.
Hold on! Black leather pants may become the attire in your future. The next thing will be that he wants to go to Bike Week at Myrtle Beach.
Now, don't you be getting on that thing.
On 06/05/2008, Gayle said ...
My "Wholesome Midwestern Lutheran" Aunt and Uncle bought motorcycles during their "pauses" and ride all over the country during the summer. Their daughter, a minister, has one too and occasionally joins them on rides as well. Me...I'll stick with my minivan. :-)
On 06/05/2008, Molly said ...
Oh Susan! Make him take a safety course(the kind where you ride around in a parking lot and learn all the rule). My mom's oldest sister and her hubby road a bike(lovely Honda Goldwing) for years and I grew up riding dirt bikes at their country home, they are MUCH fun! You couldn't pay me to get on one now though. Well, maybe $10 would work.
On 06/05/2008, Patti Koosed said ...
Great post Susan!
So 60 is the new 43 huh? I LOVE IT.
I received your package with the fabric, it is so pretty. Thanks again Susan.
Now I have to figure out what I am going to do with it.
Have a great day!
Hugs :)
Patti
On 06/06/2008, Nicole said ...
Well, frankly I think you are getting off easy. My husband's first sign of andropause was back in the mid 80's when he bought a new bright red car. Let's just say we had around ten really difficult years. Thank goodness things have settled down at last!
On 06/07/2008, Karyl said ...
Andropause- so that is what it is called -- Bless you for looking it up and giving all of the females out there a comeback line for all the MEN! who just love to tease women about PMS and MEN-O-PAUSE-- like we like going through any of it. So again I thank you for the word Andropause because I was just looking for a word to describe the male species when we do not understand them and their quirks! Believe me you are not alone! And as for cycles I like the ordinary run of the mill bicycle myself! But Men seem to have to have the Vroom!Vroom! at any age!
Karyl
On 06/07/2008, Vann said ...
Dear SuSu'
Thanks for being the best wife ever. Don't forget to tell your friends about me flying air planes up side down.
cheers,post andropouse Vann
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