Gallery: Dating and Relationship Advice, as Told by People Who Have Been Married Forever
Our elders may not be the most suitable when it comes to various things such as driving, texting, or social media. But if there's one thing they're good at, it's giving advice. For as the saying goes, we typically get wiser the older we get.
That being said, who better to take relationship advice from than those that have endured long-lasting, successful marriages. We've compiled a list of the best pieces of dating and relationship advice from elders, so take a look below and see what they had to say.
Just because you slow down, doesn't mean your sex life should.
"Always find each other in bed. Just because you're older doesn't mean your sex drive slows down." -- Beth, married 29 years
Never go to bed angry.
"My grandmother used to always say that the key to everlasting love is never going to bed angry. So, I never have and never will." --Melisa, whose grandparents Bret and Erin were married 59 years
Take a vested interest and be positive and supportive to your partner.
"I started going to opera and ballet. Me! Opera and ballet! But it was worth it to engage with my partner."-- a guy in his mid-80s.
Your wife is always right. Always.
"The most important thing you'll ever say to your wife is, 'You're right.' And THAT is how you stay in a marriage." -- Clyde, married 28 years
Your partner isn't a mind reader.
"Don't assume that your spouse knows what you are thinking. And don't assume you know what your spouse is thinking. Risk real conversation, which means learning how to resolve conflict. -- Norma Jean, married 59 years
Opposites don't always attract.
Unlike the movies, elders say that you should choose a partner who is a lot like you. "That means sharing core values and interests and having a similar outlook on life. So even though opposites can make for an exciting relationship, a lasting union often involves people who have similar personalities and backgrounds." -- Karl Pillemer, gerontologist and professor of human development at Cornell University via Today.com
Be with someone whose sense of humor you enjoy.
"Realize that it's better to be happy than it is to be right. And if you don't have a good sense of humor, forget it." -- Jane and Peter, married 46 years
Say it: In with the good, out with the bad.
"Relish things that are great, enjoy good things, deal with real negatives, and adapt to things you can't change. Responsibility is the foundation on which the beautiful building of freedom and marriage stands. Responsibility to respect the partner, let go, and work hard to know each other. It is a union of two souls forever! Realize that each if a different person with a totally different personality; and give each other space and respect." -- Urvish, married 30 years
Learn to let things go.
"Once something is resolved, bury it and don't let it raise its ugly head again. Nothing is gained by dredging up old stuff. And be kind, because you can't take back what you say if it's hurtful." --Bill and Mary, married 38 years
There's no such thing as soulmates.
"There isn't one perfect person for you. You could be married to any one of 50 different people, and you'd just have a different relationship and issues with each. There's no person ringing your doorbell who's perfect for you, and that's it for you. Marriages and relationships take work, but my relationship with [my husband] is a good deal, and I didn't want to let it go. I know somebody else would take him!" -- Geri, married 44 years