Is It Too Soon? Finding Love After Bereavement (with Steve Taylor)

The Next Bit Podcast

• 62 min

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When my gran died without warning, my grandad became lonely almost overnight. Within days, a woman from across the road started turning up with cake. As his eldest granddaughter and self-appointed gatekeeper, I was suspicious. In this episode of The Next Bit, I sit down with Steve Taylor, a relationship counsellor and mediator with 25 years of experience helping couples and families through exactly this territory. We talk about the untidy reality of grief, why guilt shows up even when you’ve done everything right, and why 70-year-olds are suddenly learning what “swipe right” means. Steve also explains why he tells clients that no orgasm is worth the estate. We also look at the other side: what it’s like to be the adult child watching a parent fall for someone new. If you’ve ever side-eyed your parent’s new “friend”, or wondered whether you’re allowed to want more from your own life, this one’s for you. The big takeaway: loving again isn’t disloyal. It doesn’t replace the person who died or shrink the life you built with them. If this episode gave you something to think about, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and tell us what you want to see in future episodes. Want to get practical about starting a new relationship later in life? Go back and listen to our earlier episodes on wills, enduring power of attorney and prenups. Learn more about how Age Brightly can support you and your family at agebrightly.co.nz. The Next Bit Host is: Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly Guest: Steve Taylor, relationship counsellor and mediator Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584248556816 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBitPodcast Credits Director, Executive Producer & Editor: Arama Murray from Mention Direction Podcast Creator, Executive Producer & Host: Hannah McQueen Research & Production: Shelley Smith Additional Support: Billy McQueen