The Conways are especially concerned with how these midlife crises are affecting marriages. To find out how successful midlife marriages work, the Conways conducted their own study. The authors identified ten traits most often listed by midlife couples as crucial keys for holding their relationships together. It is not an easy process, and on some occasions it can be highly threatening.
Communication takes effort.
Perhaps the hardest part of that effort involves scheduling. Couples must find time for effective communication. For years Charlotte and I tried to have a good talk every night after putting the kids to bed. The problem was, however, we were both too exhausted to communicate well. Then we started walking together every evening.