Grumpy & Me: From 9-to-5 to 24-7. The Unofficial Guide to Marriage in Retirement

by Meg Marlow

Be careful what you wish for.
Retirement smacked me like a wriggling haddock trying to escape a fisherman’s net, and suddenly I was invisible, cranky, and living with a husband who thought I was his personal Alexa. (Men can’t find the scissors, let alone the G-spot.)
He was happy pottering. I was drowning. And then it hit the problem wasn’t him; it was me. Instead of going with the flow, I was fighting the tide. Life knows where it’s taking you, even when you’re clueless And I realised the life raft had been there all laughter.
So I wrote it all the chaos, the comedy, the truth of getting older, because it couldn’t just be me who struggled with later life, could it? And if I can make just one person giggle and feel less alone, champion.
If laughter really is the best medicine, this book might just be the tonic.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Sue M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book, Meg Marlow, has an uncanny knack for capturing the frustrations of real-life situations, everyday occurrences, and nostalgic moments — all with tremendous humour. Her book is a hilarious account of her experiences and day-to-day life since retirement, and those of us of a certain age will instantly relate and laugh out loud as we see ourselves reflected in similar situations.

I’ve followed Meg’s online blog for the past six years and look forward to every new episode. If you’re seeking a giggle, a cheerful trip down memory lane, or little stories of everyday happenings that make you think, “It’s not just me, then!”, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

It’s an ideal gift for anyone who is retired or thinking about retirement — and you’ll almost certainly recognise yourself in more than a few chapters. I can’t wait for Meg to write another book.

[Anne Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days read this cover to cover and it’s like reading my own thoughts, feelings and life! I can still remember that feeling when I retired two years ago “how am I going to manage this being together 24/7?” But you quickly settle into the groove - it’s like adjusting to married life all over again because you’ve forgotten the little foibles that annoy you but you know you wouldn’t be without your own Grumpy - and yes we’ve settled in to the garden centre trips and the locking of the door at 6pm! This book is perfect for all retired ladies of a certain age with a Grumpy in tow - Meg has a marvellous knack of putting thoughts into words with a fantastic sense of humour and wit - fabulous book I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being retired myself for 2 months, 2 weeks and 3 days so much of this book rings true ! It is a hard thing to come to terms with but Meg writes with such humour you can't help but giggle (well, snort out loud) as you can picture yourself in the same situations. I loved all the references to things from my more youthful era, some so poignant. I can still picture my Grandma and my aunties in their pinnies.
This book should be handed out with the trillion pension forms work ask you to complete so you know what you're letting yourself in for and as a pick me up after. Fab book.

[Dee UK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am only half way through reading Grumpy and Me, and am laughing my head off! Meg Marlow writes about her life with a very understanding Grumpy with wit, sarcasm and funny asides galore. A true wordsmith, she coins the phrases that should become a part of our modern lexicon. Reading this book sometimes feels like watching an episode of All Creatures Great and Small (newest version) as the childhood memories evoke wonderful times that I never experienced. But I wish I had. 5 Stars

[Mandy Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally laugh out loud funny.
I woke my Grumpy up with my giggles and he demanded to know the source of my hilarity, suffice to say, he is now a fan too!
I particularly liked the fact that each chapter has stand alone content, so you can dip in and out of this book without losing the plot, essential for most of us with more life experience.
If you're looking for a light hearted read, particularly if you are an owner of a Grumpy, this book is definitely for you.

[Maggie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar and spice and all things nice....
This book is a gem for anyone approaching retirement or heavily into having their husband/Grumpy around twenty four hours a day will undoubtedly love the whimsical charm this read offers.
There are many little quotes that I loved " If your Aunt had balls, she'd be your Uncle " my fond favourite.
I related to so much of the book, in a strange way!
Please write another one Meg 🙏 ❤️

[Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you laughing out loud. Meg has such a way with words and sums up married life later in life, perfectly. You'll easily relate to the situations she describes. The only little negative I found was that there is a lot of swearing throughout, most of which I thought was unnecessary but don't let that put you off.

[Tricia Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. If you in or approaching retirement, in a relationship or single there is so much you can identify with.
Humourous and poignant , evoking memories of my childhood in some instances . An enjoyable read with lots of laughs at life as we know it.

[Julie Torkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book, it is funny, laugh snort and pee a little funny! Every chapter I read I recognise myself and my own Grumpy, this should be required reading for anyone about to retire and spend the rest of their waking hours with their other half.

[Ruth Stoker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
A really funny day to day honest insight into life after retirement. Relatable on many level whether you’ve lived with the other half for a while or you are of a certain age. There’s something for everyone.

[Gail Busson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very entertaining, I read some of it out loud to my Grumpy and we both laughed as we related to the experiences that Meg writes about. My friends of a certain age will be getting this book for Christmas.

[Laura Battle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended Meg's Facebook page to me & I love it this little gem is no different & had me nodding along recognising myself in parts of it & definitely my Grumpy in others ! literally "lol" ing while reading it. x

[Jackie Haycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

this hilarious book has been a joy to read....it will make a fabulous present for anyone who is retired or not!!!..its simply absolutely a laugh a minute...just what I needed!!!!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely laughed out loud. It’s such a great read about coping with newly retired husbands and a trip down memory lane.

[Theresa Held · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most entertaining book, delivered in a humorous and at times irreverent style.
I've been retired for a number of years and have a little sideline of caring for the 'gusset gremlins' as Meg so fondly calls them. This year I've been joined by my 'Grumpy', oh boy has it been a challenge. Meg has such a way with words the reminisces of childhood and the joys of retirement and aging. Thoroughly enjoyed this laugh out loud read.

[Steph Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

To women of a certain age reading this, make sure you are wearing your Tena pants. This is a joyous journey through late (very late) middle age. I did wonder at one point if Meg Marlow was living in our house. This book brought me great enjoyment to know that I am not alone!!! Read it if nothing else it will make you laugh out loud - a lot.