For about 15 years, I worked as a physical therapist, which meant I had the opportunity to meet a diverse range of senior citizens. Injuries don’t discriminate, so I encountered older folks from all walks of life: healthy, struggling, cheerful, cranky, affluent, and financially challenged. Each brought a lifetime of experiences to our sessions.
As I helped them work out their aches and pains while sharing tips on core exercises, our conversations often veered into their rich life stories. They loved dishing out advice on everything from finances to relationships, and I was all ears.
- “Travel while you can! Kids will come, and then it’ll be too late.”
- “Don’t have kids! They’ll drain the life out of you.”
- “But seriously, have kids! They’ll be your greatest joy.”
- “Start saving now, or retirement will be a nightmare.”
- “But don’t take life too seriously! Spend that cash while you’re young!”
- “Exercise so you don’t end up with a back like mine.”
- “Life will throw challenges your way—just keep swinging back!”
These wise folks also loved to share insights about their relationships—every single one of them. As a newlywed myself, I was curious about the secrets to lasting love, especially from couples who had been together for decades and still seemed to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. The most popular answer from the men? “Marry someone who’s handsome and funny!” Cue the eye rolls from their wives, proving that some things never change.
Other nuggets of wisdom included:
- “Marry someone completely different; you won’t get bored.”
- “If you go to bed angry, at least give ‘em a kiss.”
- “Physical touch is key.”
- “Emotional support? That’s everything.”
- “And making each other laugh? That’s the most important!”
However, the advice that truly resonated with me came from an adorable couple who epitomized #RelationshipGoals. The gentleman, dressed in a snazzy bowtie and suspenders, was doting on his wife, who laughed wholeheartedly at his jokes. They exchanged glances filled with humor and affection.
Curious, I asked, “How long have you two been married?”
“Thirty years! Practically newlyweds!” he replied with a wink.
“Second marriage for both of us,” the woman chimed in.
“And this time, we decided she’s the boss—trust me, it works!” he laughed.
Their chemistry was palpable, making me reflect on the recent advice I heard from Suzanne Venker, who suggested that women should be more “compliant” in relationships and that men are naturally “alpha” while women are “beta.” I couldn’t help but chuckle.
I’d much rather heed the advice of that delightful couple from a decade ago than entertain outdated notions on relationships. Their wisdom—and the golden rule of “never go to the paint aisle in Home Depot together”—forms much of my relationship philosophy today. My husband and I are thriving, and I remind him of those insights whenever we hit a bump in the road. Sorry, Suzanne!
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In summary, the genuine wisdom shared by older generations often trumps the outdated narratives we hear today. Embrace the lessons from those who’ve been there, and remember: relationships thrive on mutual respect, humor, and teamwork.