I am just about finished reading "Surviving Male Menopause" by Jed Diamond. I wanted put some quotes here for all to read.
15 Things you can do to help once male menopause is recognized There is no magic formula that works for everyone.
1.Recognize the similarities and differences between male and female menopause. 2.Have patience, din't give up when things become difficult 3.Be gentle and kind with yourself and your man. 4. Recognize that this is probably the most difficult and confusing time of life for both of you. 5.Take good care of yourself. Attend to your own needs and feel good on seven levels - hormonally,physically,emotionally,interpersonally, sexually,socially, and spiritually. 6. Accept that he will be resistant at first to the concept of male menopause. 7. He likely will be concerned at first with one or two aspects of male menopause. 8. Listen to his concerns. It is tempting to want him to do something. Remember the first step to action is acknowledging there is a problem. 9.Keep Listening 10.Reassure him that you love him and the 2 of you will get through this together. 11.Let him know that although you understand that this is difficult you will not stand by and allow yourself to be abused by his words or actions. 12. Seek support together. Books can be useful. 13.Men are resistant to taking advice from women. Sometimes getting another man, a friend or colleague involved can be helpful. 14. Talk to him about what you see and feel. Particularly emphasize the positive things. 15.Seek professional counseling.
8 Things You Should Not Do
1. Don't ignore the changes that occur at this time of life. Male menopause is as natural as puberty and as impossible to ignore. 2.Don't Panic. Your wonderful man has not turned into a monster, although like his adolescent counterpart, it may seem like he has. 3.Don't Blame yourself. 4. Don't be afraid to talk to others. 5. Don't laugh at your man or ridicule his behavior. Men's greatest fear at this stage of life is that they are acting like fools. Love and supprot him even if his behavior is hard to take. 6.Don't let him make you the brunt of his anger. 7.Don't give up on yourself or the R. If its worth keeping, its worth fighting for. 8. Don't try too hard to make his life better. Ultimately, this is his change of of life and he must navigate it for himself.
I thought that this is great advice for both men and women. I really want to recommend these books, and yes there are a few things in this list that contradict what we do here in MLC but overall it is really a good read.
