After marriage and menstruation, menopause is the least talked about M word in the English language. Our grandmothers and mothers never talked about it, and if there was the occasional mention of "the change of life" by a father or uncle, it was accompanied with eyes rolling heavenwards. Well, guess what? We're the baby boomers and we talk about everything!
I concluded from my research that not only is the available information lacking in some truths for menopausal women, but there are absolutely no useful survival guides for the spouses, children, family members, and animals of the menopausal woman. This event is happening to all of you as well, yet no one's paying attention to you and your needs, least of all the menopausal woman, because she doesn't give a dang about your feelings, opinions, needs, or problems anymore (symptom number one).
To begin coping with a menopausal woman, you need to think of menopause in two ways. One, it is your unwelcome houseguest who has decided to stay way too long. Two, this is one of the most underrated events in a woman's life, with the possible exception of the first time she gets her bikini-line hair removed at the salon.
Step 2: Learn to become invisible
This is one of the most important steps. Learn this one well and you'll be on your way to peaceful bliss.
Becoming invisible is necessary when you want to get out of the house but can't. This step applies to spouses or partners, teenagers, in-laws, and the dog. (Note: Cats don't have to worry about this step, they've been masters at it for centuries. If you can find your cat, ask her how she does it.)
And there's much more...!