During early and middle life, the family take up much of the parents' time and interest, to say nothing about the finance; but it is so easy to grow apart when the children have gone. It can happen without realising it. The couple now have to face one another, and this is why mutual interests are so vital at this time.
For the energetic, they can walk, cycle or swim together, and for warming up the mental processes there are crossword puzzles and Scrabble. Keeping up-to-date with the news and the reading of books can also provide material for conversation.
When problems arise, there should be frankness. There is no need to blow one's top, or on the other hand, to sulk for a week. It is best to bring the matter into the open and discuss it. "Let not the sun go down on your wrath” is an excellent piece of advice. Keep short accounts with each other... and with God.
I heard the story of a man in his nineties who was interviewed by the local paper for the reasons of his longevity. He replied, "When we got married my wife and I agreed that whenever we got near to arguing, I would go through the back door and take a long walk through the woods, and I have taken so many long walks, I have kept remarkably fit!"