Having spent nearly 15 years as a physical therapist, I’ve encountered a diverse array of senior citizens. Injuries are impartial, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life: the healthy, the struggling, the joyful, the grumpy, the affluent, the less fortunate, and the motivated ones alongside those who are more reluctant. Each person brought with them a wealth of life experiences.
While I assisted them with shoulder issues and educated them on effective core exercises, our conversations often drifted towards their life journeys. They loved sharing advice on everything from financial planning to romantic relationships.
“Travel while you can! One day, you’ll have kids, and it will be too late.”
“Don’t have kids! They’ll drain your energy.”
“But have kids! They’ll be the highlight of your life.”
“Start saving money now if you want to retire comfortably.”
“Don’t take life too seriously! You’re young only once. Spend that cash.”
“Exercise so you don’t end up like me with a bad back.”
“Life will throw challenges your way. Stay resilient!”
Alongside imparting wisdom, these seniors also loved discussing their relationships — all of them, the good and the bad. As a newlywed, I was curious about long-standing couples who seemed genuinely happy together. When I asked them for secrets to a successful marriage, the responses were often humorous yet insightful.
One common piece of advice from men was, “Marry someone who’s good-looking and funny!” This would usually earn eye rolls from their wives, proving that men remain consistent in their perspectives.
Other nuggets of wisdom included:
- “Marry someone completely different from you, so you don’t get bored.”
- “If you go to bed angry, don’t forget to give them a kiss.”
- “Physical affection is crucial.”
- “Emotional support is key.”
- “Making each other laugh is vital.”
However, the advice that resonated with me the most came from an adorable older couple that seemed to embody #RelationshipGoals. The gentleman dressed sharply, complete with a bowtie and suspenders, always attentive to his wife, who responded with genuine laughter. Their connection was palpable.
Curious about their longevity, I asked, “How long have you been together?”
His response was playful, “Oh, 30 years! We’re practically newlyweds.” They giggled, and I learned they were both on their second marriages. “Second time’s the charm!” he quipped.
“What’s your secret?” I probed.
He replied, “In my first marriage, I thought I had to be ‘the man’ and make all the decisions. That didn’t work out. This time, she’s the boss, and I love it. We both do.”
They exchanged smiles that felt like a scene from a commercial, reminding me of how love can truly flourish.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on this conversation after encountering Suzanne Venker’s outdated advice, which suggested that women should be “more compliant and less dictatorial” in their marriages, implying men should be the “alphas.”
Honestly, I’d rather adhere to the wisdom of that delightful couple I met a decade ago. Their insight, along with humorous quips like “Never go to the paint aisle in Home Depot together,” forms the foundation of my relationship philosophy. My husband and I are thriving together, and I often remind him of that couple’s wisdom whenever we have a disagreement. Sorry, Suzanne, but I prefer better advice.
If you’re interested in enhancing your journey to parenthood, consider checking out this fertility booster for men. For those navigating the complexities of conception, this couple’s story from Washington provides valuable insights. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit the CDC.
In summary, while traditional advice may not always resonate, the experiences of those who have navigated relationships and life can offer invaluable lessons. Learning from those who have successfully maintained love and connection can guide us in our journeys.