Shapes and Colors of Midlife Crisis

Typical midlife crisis, as I see it, happens to someone who has (mostly) everything they want or need, but are a bit bored with the routine of their life. I think that people tend to reflect on what might be missing in their lives when they realize that their life is almost half over. Some may wish to re-experience the optimism, sense of opportunity, and physical activity that they enjoyed in their 20's.


Some may buy something big and new - a motorcycle, sportscar, boat, or new home theatre system. Others may take up a new activity - usually a physical activity like skiing or diving. Others may decide to go back to school or change their career.


Good can come out of a midlife crisis if it's resolved in a way that lets you try new experiences and learn new things without neglecting your current obligations.

Typical midlife crisis, as I see it, happens to someone who has (mostly) everything they want or need, but are a bit bored with the routine of their life. I think that people tend to reflect on what might be missing in their lives when they realize that their life is almost half over. Some may wish to re-experience the optimism, sense of opportunity, and physical activity that they enjoyed in their 20's.


Some may buy something big and new - a motorcycle, sportscar, boat, or new home theatre system. Others may take up a new activity - usually a physical activity like skiing or diving. Others may decide to go back to school or change their career.


Good can come out of a midlife crisis if it's resolved in a way that lets you try new experiences and learn new things without neglecting your current obligations.

The midlife crisis which normally happens when a male is in his late 40's early 50's and for a woman whose age is close to her husbands more likely than not tends to occur when the kids are finally all grown and no longer living at home. For the woman it is called the "empty nest syndrome." This is whenthe woman finds that she no longer has her family to tend on a day to day basis, her responsibilities are lessened which leads to her feeling unimportant. She may be depressed for a while but then bounces back after she discovers all the possibilities that are now open to her. It is not uncommon for the woman to go back college to get her degree or an advanced degree. At this time she ends up making new friends, starting new relationships and engaging in new activites.


As for the male he now feels a huge weight has been lifted from his shoulders. He no longer has to worry about where the money is coming from to pay for his children's education. He can now focus on enjoying life without having to worry about attending his children's activities which can be quite time consuming depending on the number of children and the scope of their activities. For the first time in over 20 years he can finally try different activities himself, ones he only dreamed of doing before since should something happen it will not put his family in financial jeopardy as it could have in the earlier years. It is little wonder that those younger than him see him as going wild.

I have personal experience with this. It is what ended my marriage; my husband went through this but much earlier than 50 yrs old. With it came an affair, online dating, and total disregard for his family or responsibilities. It's a very selfish phase that I describe as the complete loss of the personality that you knew him/her to be. It can and usually lasts for years but eventually most come out of it and wonder what the hell they just did to their lives.