Good morning! Over at Make Money Your Way, I plan to share how I leverage my language skills to earn money. I’m fluent in English, French, and Spanish, allowing me to turn these abilities into a source of income.

A common question from readers is about managing relationships during early retirement. Honestly, it can feel a bit daunting.

First, there’s the matter of old friends and family who might see you as a bit odd for choosing to stop working during your prime years. My mom often asks if I’m planning to get a job or if I need money, despite the fact that I earn more than she does and live in rural Guatemala. My friends are often puzzled, asking what exactly I do all day, then assuming I’m on a never-ending vacation likely funded by my mom.

Then, there are the new friends. Some might suspect shady pasts—like being a drug dealer or an escort—to justify my early retirement. Others assume I’m a struggling freelance writer who moved to Guatemala because I couldn’t afford a place in Manhattan. Some quickly notice my ample free time and want to hang out every night or ask for too many favors, leading to unbalanced friendships.

Only a few close friends truly understand my journey and the reasons behind my decisions. Additionally, some new friends are drawn to me because they seek a similar lifestyle and look for support from someone who’s been there. Finding others who share your unconventional path can be a huge relief, and many try to connect through forums or serendipitous real-life encounters.

When I was still working towards early retirement, some colleagues started asking why I was saving so aggressively and what my future plans were. Unlike most who thought I was crazy, these individuals found my plans logical and sought similar goals. Their questions became more personal, leading to deeper connections, unlike the distancing I experienced from some close friends.

Relationships at home pose their own challenges. I recently read an article about a woman who married young, had three kids, and stayed at home while her husband worked towards early retirement. Despite achieving financial security, they divorced soon after his retirement because they had no common goals and got bored of each other.

At home, my partner and I are together all day, even when we travel. There are days when we talk for hours, and others when we barely speak. It can feel strange initially, but I’ve learned to appreciate my introverted moments.

I spent my first year of early retirement in Morocco, living in Casablanca. I spent my days writing for travel blogs, cycling, swimming, surfing, exploring, and learning Arabic. Evenings were spent dining and drinking with friends after they finished work. During the day, I was mostly alone, which sometimes felt lonely but was manageable and expected.

For extroverts, staying busy is crucial. Joining a sports club, volunteering, starting a book club, or being active in your kids’ school activities can help maintain a social routine, much like a stay-at-home parent. Staying occupied is essential, not only for your own well-being but also to avoid slipping into depression, a common problem for retirees who find themselves with too much spare time.

For me, alternating between periods of intense activity, like extended travels, and calmer times at home works well. I don’t need constant social interactions or trivial conversations. I prefer deep, meaningful interactions with friends a few times a year over numerous daily texts.

An unexpected reality is that you won’t see your friends more often just because you’re retired. If you had a regular weekly outing, that likely won’t change. While you might make an effort to meet them during their lunch breaks, it can become frustrating and you might eventually stop trying.

If maintaining a social life is important to you, it’s best to make new friends who have time during the day.

Are relationships something you worry about when considering early retirement?