Question: I’m planning to retire soon and move to Spain to live out my retirement. My wife and I had no children, and she passed two years ago. Now friends are trying to discourage me from the move. Whenever we meet for lunch or coffee they keep bringing up the subject.

My mind is made up. How can I let my friends know this (although I’ve tried) without alienating our friendships? I told them I plan on coming back every couple of years to visit and plan to stay in touch with them in the meantime.

~ Spain Destination

Dear Spain,

It’s fine if you want to live out your dream retirement in Spain. Your friends are concerned about you so that’s why they keep bringing it up.

I want to share a little story with you. My husband died four years ago. We used to travel together throughout Europe.

This past spring, I decided to go on a river cruise through Amsterdam with a friend. When I got on the ship, I suddenly missed my husband so much that I had a panic attack and the ship’s host had to call a doctor to medicate me. That’s my story but perhaps you could consider a long visit to Spain before making it permanent.

Carolyn Young, LCSW

Dear Spain,

Good for you! Do it! You can always change your mind. Besides, didn’t you say that you’re coming home every two years anyway?

I realize you are going alone and that your wife has died. Maybe you’ll find a new senorita in Espana!

Seriously, I can speak from experience, sort of. I have a younger brother and he and his wife are planning to move to Mexico City for a year to be with their new grandson who was recently born. (Their daughter is married to a European, and they met and married in Mexico.)

I realize that you are going solo, but if you want to do it, good for you! “Vaya con Dios,” which means “Go with God!”

The Rev. C. L. “Skip” Lindeman
lindeman.skip@yahoo.com