My father is in his mid sixties, retired a couple years ago, and over the past couple of years he has gone through a pretty significant personality change. A little background info: He was a great father to me growing up (understanding, patient), Mom died a little over three years ago leaving him pretty helpless, he remarried within a year and moved out of state.
Anyway, he recently organized a canoe trip, and the eight of us went last weekend. It should have been a great time. Instead, he spent the entire three days barking out orders at everyone (all adults, some older than him). These orders included where everyone should set up their tents, who was going to haul all the unnecessary crap he brought along that wouldn't fit in his canoe, how everyone should traverse the various sets of rapids we encountered (we are all experienced floaters), and so on. When we would pull in to a gravel bar to set up camp for the night, he would commence to set up his tent and get himself squared away (he seemed confused about how to set up a pup tent) while the rest of us tended to community chores like gathering firewood, doing the dishes, etc. towards the end of the three day event, he complained that he was the only one doing anything for the common good. I could go on.
Guys, I'm sorry to bore you with this long post, but my wife has noticed this change in him also. Maybe my Mom had kept him in line all these years? Maybe all men just turn into jackasses as they age? Maybe he is in the early stages of some kind of mental disease, I don't know. He is talking about planning a fishing trip to Canada next year, but honestly, I would almost rather pass on it.
I would be very interested in your opinions, or maybe similar stories and how you have dealt with it. I really appreciate being able to lean on your shoulders for a minute. This is a great group here.
Bill