Can I just share a secret with you all please?

.*EllaKeat - you can do this! ✊

Send me a p.m if you need encouraging words.

Well done! Have been trying to stop smoking for years but fail miserably every time so am in awe of you doing both.
Have a husband similar to yours. Won't go anywhere or do anything without me. Prefers TV & internet.
My children & grandchildren (this is my 2nd marriage, so the children are his step- children) live between 60 & 160 miles away & visiting them takes some time. There was no way I was going to miss out on seeing them. Also, as a single mother, I spent most of my life doing things for others so retirement for me meant doing things for me.
At first, I would ask 'permission' to go & do things like see my children & like you, had to endure an atmosphere when I got home.
Finally, I bit the bullet. I explained everything I've already said above, said I love doing things together but that I need to do some things on my own & that I was going to do them.
It took a little time for him to get used to the new situation but finally he's ok. In fact, I think he rather likes having the house to himself to do things like play his music at full blast!

Dear Ella, that is amazing. You have very right to be very very proud of yourself. I'm in a similar situation with a husband that has no interests outside the home, so I took on a part time job which keeps me sane, well, ish........

So pleased you got back to us Ella ?? Hope you enjoy your ceramics and volunteering. Have a great time.

What a boring man! He possibly needs some simple handwork put right into his hands with a request to do it. E.g. jigsaw puzzles on a large tray in front of the telly.

The idea is to provide an occupation that he can do while you are out.

Silver to polish.

A simple seam to sew no matter if it's an untidy result. He might graduate to lazy daisies or chian stitch on a pillow case if you teach him.

Give him lists to make e.g. dog breeds, native trees, country towns, woodworking tools , vintage cars.

Ask him to look up Rightmove and select nice houses to live in and be able to say why he likes them.

Can he drive? Give him a shopping list. Ask him to visit the local Probus group.

You have a right handful there!

What a great update. Sending you love and best wishes ???