Those of you with husbands aged 55+, are they grumpy old men?

[Sfuandtired]

Just that really, obviously a big generalisation I know, but this seems very common among people I know, when they get to this age it’s as if a switch is flicked and they turn into grumpy moaners.

My husband was born grumpy. When people see photos of him they ask what just happened to make him look so angry. I have to explain that’s just his face.

No, not at all. We still joke about and have a laugh together.
I'm more likely to become the grumpy bum tbh.

I have a 63-year-old and his negativity and complaints drive me mad. He retired earlier this year but he is actually going to go back as a freelancer part-time in a few months which I think will be good for him.

I’m a lot younger but it’s the first time I am really feeling the age difference. We have been through a hard time though, our daughter is coming out of mental health problems and we got a high maintenance dog who he hasnt really bonded with, so sometimes I think I should cut him some slack. The rest of the time I feel I could pop him under the patio

Ooh, and we are leaving DD and not-so-dear dog alone tonight to see Bond!

Yes, try and get them to have a hobby otherwise they might choose a younger model. ..............I wish

My husband retired a couple of years ago.
When he woke the following morning, I realised I was married to Victor Meldrew.

Wouldn't swap him for anything.

My ex is now pushing 56. He started his grumpy journey around the 48 mark and has been slowly but steadily progressing into Britain’s grumpiest man. We are still friendly but going out with him anywhere is an embarrassment as he is 300% likely to start an argument with anybody. About anything. Taxi going over a bump. People walking too slow. People walking too fast. Breakfast not being served anymore at 11:59. Noisy cafe being noisy. Busy restaurant being busy. Pizza having carbs. Etc etc

Oh yes, and the naps! Anywhere! Anytime! It’s 7.25pm- not a problem. It’s nap time.

No.
in his late 60s, prone to napping, occasional forgetfulness and slowness.
But he’s always been sweet-natured and quiet and that hasn’t changed over the years.

Oh mine is not even 50 and is very grumpy 😠

I’m now terrified for the future 😂

@SecretWitch

My husband was born grumpy. When people see photos of him they ask what just happened to make him look so angry. I have to explain that’s just his face.

This made me chuckle! My H is exactly the same except it's not funny and he currently has absolutely no redeeming features

Basil Fawlty on steroids HAHAHAHAHA

I’ve got one of those. He is 57. I’ve probably got another 30 years of grump to put up with. Examples:

The world isn’t the any he wants it to be

Nobody at work appreciates his genius

Most people are a bit shit

Younger people don’t know what it is like to learn jobs the hard way

People in town walk too slowly and don’t look where they are going (I notice that a PP’s ex moans about the same thing)

Luckily for him he is married to an exceptionally cheerful wife!

No.

Mine is 60 and has become steadily very grumpy in the last 5 years. We have a 16 year old and a 7 year old and I did think it was having kids so late in life that had worn him out and made him fed up. But it sounds like grumpiness starting in the 50s is quite common for men. He was always very laid back and a bit of a party animal. Suddenly he didn't seem to enjoy anything any more: family life, going out etc. Sometimes I get the feeling that he wishes everyone would be quiet, go away and leave him in peace including me. If I go out he mopes about being left to manage kids on his own. But if he comes out with me he starts agitating to come home early.

I pull him up on it sometimes and call him a joyless misanthrope and (half) jokingly suggest he goes to live with his single grumpy brother.

Conversely I am more cheerful in my late 40s than I've ever been.

Mine just goes on and on and on about retirement and pensions... 🙄

Yep 57, proper Victor Meldrew, loves a good moan, especially about the younger generation, has to have nana naps, likes to complain about most things, we just ignore him😂

@Octobervest

Mine just goes on and on and on about retirement and pensions... 🙄

How old is he? Mine is mid 50s and the same. He’ll be lucky. We still have a mortgage & DC at university.

I don't think I realised how selfish DH was until he retired 6 years ago. He assumed his life would go on revolving totally around him (even without his 'very demanding' job) and that his time was entirely his own to do whatever he felt like.
He does keep busy, and can fix anything (didn't when he was working). Fortunately I have stuff of my own to do so we rub along - I envy people who share interests or at least one interest with their partner but I am left to my own devices so it works ok.
He is a bit older than me and I can see the fussing about stuff happening eg putting the bins out but I will probably go like that myself over time.

@Allgreyeverything

Oh yes, and the naps! Anywhere! Anytime! It’s 7.25pm- not a problem. It’s nap time.

I remember all the men in my family falling asleep after dinner when the family got together. Thinking about it my Grandad would have only been late 50s and my uncles in their 30s. The women didn’t nap and they were the ones who had been running around all day...

@SunShinesBrightly he's 56. Our mortgage is paid off so now he spends his time building his massive pension & counting down to when he can stop working!

[quote Octobervest]@SunShinesBrightly he's 56. Our mortgage is paid off so now he spends his time building his massive pension & counting down to when he can stop working![/quote]
I won’t tell my DH. Hearing about cleared mortgages and massive pensions would make him even grumpier (if that is possible).

Yep! Got a 62 year old here, constantly moans about most things, politics is his favourite, he has a conspiracy theory about everything, it's exhausting!!

Now tend to sit and watch TV separately as I just can't stand listening to it!

Send help.....

Oh my god yes
It’s actually broken me and our marriage I can’t take it any more !

He's 50 and not grumpy yet, but the lethergy drives me round the bend. I'm younger, we've got lively kids and it pisses me off that he'll just creep off quietly upstairs to watch youtube videos about the CCP and global geopolitics. I don't want to have to bloody parent him into parenting too!

The Victor Meldrew Award (mixed with a strong dose of Kevin the Teenager) goes to DS (10) who is a natural at grumbling. Meanwhile the 8yo does a great Frank Spencer through life.

Not what I imagined 20 years ago with my exciting, adventurous boyfriend as he was then