The Second Half of Marriage: Facing the Eight Challenges of the Empty-Nest Years

by David Arp

Your children are gone or leaving soon. It's time to focus once again on your own future and especially on your marriage. What's in store for the second half? David and Claudia Arp provide answers and practical help in this groundbreaking book. Drawing on their national survey of hundreds of "second-half" couples, the Arps reveal eight marital challenges every long-term marriage faces, and they offer strategies and exercises for meeting each of them. The Second Half of Marriage will challenge you to create a vision for the rest of your life together -- and inspire you to make that vision a reality.

Genres: Marriage, Christian Living, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published December 23, 1997

About the author

Claudia Arp and David Arp, MSW, founders of Marriage Alive International, Inc., share a passion for helping couples build great marriages through fun, relationship-building dates. The Arps introduced the dating concept when dating wasn’t cool. Today their 10 Great Dates® brand of resources including books, DVD-based programs and seminars, are popular nationally and internationally. They have authored over 30 books, including the award winning The Second Half of Marriage.

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although this was marketed to us as a book with a Christmas world view, it really wasn't.

His premise is, now that the kids are gone, you can focus on yourselves again. However, there was barely any mention of the idea of outward service. How about: Now that the kids are gone, we can use our additional time and energy to serve others.

I also missed any reference to really asking God, "Now what?" Surely God has an opinion of how we should spend our time and energy. Becoming empty nest-ers doesn't override his Lordship. In what way does He want us to work with Him?

Yes, marriage takes effort, and that doesn't change as you go through life's various stages. But focusing on one another shouldn't be the end purpose. Rather, two become one in order to love God and be useful in His Kingdom.

[Susan Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman that has finished raising her four children, I found myself struggling with what my role was. Everyone said "It's your turn now! Do whatever you'd like, explore!" That sounds great, right? But I was left with such a guilty feeling when I didn't put my kids (all adults!) first. I finally thought it was time to look for some help, and I bought this book. It was a HUGE help!! One of my favorite ideas from this book was the concept of changing from a child-based marriage to a couple-based marriage. So simple of an idea, but it never occurred to me. This book helped me and my husband make the transition, and it's been wonderful the affect this book had on my thinking. How lucky am I to be married to my best friend and forever companion. Life is so much fun!

If you're struggling with empty nest, read this book.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book on marriage for empty-nesters. The Eight Challenges sparked some good discussion in our marriage group. It is somewhat light which is helpful at times, but at times leaves me wanting more.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for empty nesters or near empty nesters no matter how long you've been married or how good your marriage is. Change will impact you and the advice and examples were easy to understand and relate to. I look forward to an even stronger 2nd half!

[Lily Sun]

browsing only. Don't like it.