Role reversal

For the first 40 years of our marriage, I was focused on my work, leaving Belinda to bring up our two kids and manage our home. She also worked for 25 years, as business manager at a special school, so became skilled at managing budgets and projects.

Some years ago, she developed an interest in making jewellery, and now our roles have reversed. She’s busy building her already successful business, and I’m at home most of the time working on my next book. I now try (honestly) to do my share of tasks around the house.

As our new home takes shape, Belinda is taking the lead in managing our architect, builder and all the other suppliers who are helping to make our new home a really special place. Once I’d have insisted on taking the lead, even though Belinda can do it better.

Our future will be a creative one and we’ll both have dedicated, creative workspace, in our new home. I can’t wait to see it finished so that we can move in.