Staying In Love As We Grow Old

In life, we go through phases as we age. When we were little kids, we had crushes. As pre-teens we have puppy loves. As teenagers we may have experienced having our first sweetheart and our first heart ache. As young adults, we fall in love and settle down with our one true love. Usually fairytales end as soon as the weddings bells start to chime. Prince Charming and Cinderella ride off to the sunset and they live happily ever after. But what is "Happily Ever After" anyway? Does it even exist?

As children we were told these stories, and they have given us a picture of what a perfect marriage or relationship should be. In a fairytale everything is "perfect." But in reality, we soon realize that life is full of ups and downs. Cinderella finds out that Prince Charming has bad habits like squeezing the toothpaste in the middle or throwing his clothes on the floor and other things that simply are no longer charming but instead annoying. Cinderella too may have gotten those unsightly stretch marks and her thighs change form after child birth. She may not be the body beautiful princess she once was. Do you think after these, they could still be in love with each other?

For me, if the love between two people is real, then they would continue to be in love no matter what. I guess that could be considered as "Happily Ever After." Don't you think? I sigh whenever I see old couples who are still sweet to each other or still get to talk and laugh together in spite of their age. I know that they probably had their share of marital problems in the past, but every relationship goes through something unpleasant at one time or another. To endure the hardships, the temptations and to overlook the short comings of the other is easier said than done. Many couples fail to overcome the pressure and start to look for an easy way out. But a person truly in love will still hang on, even if all signs point out the door. There is a sense of sacrifice, acceptance and gentleness for a couple who are meant to be together forever.

They say, only the body ages, but the heart will always stay young. When you are at the brink of losing your temper, try to remember what is most important to you. Is what you are upset about now worth the stress of arguing about it? Never say anything out of anger. Think before you speak. Are you reasons for being angry petty? Is there a better way of saying what you want to say? Is your lover even listening to what you are saying? Answer these questions as you calm down and you will realize that there are more important things to do than fight with your lover.

For a relationship to last, you both should be open to each other. Secrets are not healthy for a long-lasting relationship. You should learn to trust your lover as you too should be trustworthy and open. You both should be confident enough to let your lover read your text messages or emails. It shouldn't be a problem is he or she walks in your office to visit once and a while. It wouldn't really matter if there is nothing to hide, right?

Always remember that nobody is perfect. We all have our flaws. For someone who truly is in love, the flaws are accepted and embraced as much as the good traits. Encourage and complement each other. Through this, you both become the source of inspiration and strength of one another. And in times that your lover did something wrong, stop and think before you run off with the mouth. Forgiveness is an essential key to the success of a union.

Lastly, you have to work on building a friendship with your loved one, so in case your romantic relationship fails, you have the friendship to hold on to. As we grow old, our bodies change and we may not feel too sexy anymore to keep the romantic air alive, but for two people who have learned to be friends, there will always be something fun and exciting to look forward to.

By Sheila Noreen Lopez - Gamo.