Relationships include both your personal and your social contacts. Both have to be nurtured and developed If you are facing retirement on your own, this will be even more important—your social relationships can often take the place of (but not replace) your spousal relationship, as it is very important (and mentally healthy) to be socially active. 

 

Retirement is going to be an adjustment for couples, simply because the dynamics of the relationship often change when one or both leave the workplace. This doesn't have to be a negative. Often, discussing such issues as how you want to spend your leisure time or the distribution of household responsibilities when both of you are home can save headaches later.