When I moved to the mountains 23 years ago, I found it interesting that the Sunday paper often included Anniversary announcements for couples married 60, 65 even 70 years! In today’s world where married couples often trade in their spouses faster than their cars, this longevity fascinated me.
I used to love to chat with the old timers in the neighborhood and hear their thoughts on this subject. One couple in particular, Kate and Jack, enjoyed sharing stories about growing up in the mountains.
Life was very different back in the old days. Days started long before the sun came up. You were fortunate if you had indoor plumbing. There were lots of chores to do before your “work” or “school” day started and little free time to get into mischief.
Sunday was church and family day. Folks who strayed were quickly reeled back in by well meaning family and friends. Everyone in town “talked” if they knew there was something out of the ordinary going on.
Media was almost non-existent so nobody knew or cared what the city slickers were up to. The majority of couples knew each other most of their lives and never thought about marrying outside of their own communities. Most had picked out their intended by the time they finished grade school.
Secret of their marriage longevity? They were taught not to throw away overripe bananas….Made sense to keep them and make a banana pie. Good to have something sweet at the end of a meal!
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Shorter relationships are probably the casualty of ‘something better’ might come along, the media focusing on younger and prettier, the ‘you must have this’ culture. It is such a shame we can’t unlearn these things and go back to basics. I think people were much more content and knew their place in their community and family much better than they do now.
I agree with you 100%!!
Not to put a damper on all this, my parents stayed married 48 yrs before my father died. But todays women are not putting up with abuse in all forms anymore. We let males know, we are not property but individuals who would love to share our life with you, but not under abusive conditions. My grandparents had a long marriage and when I hear of one I rejoice.
You are absolutely right! We do have more freedom today to leave abusive relationships! I was married at 20 and divorced at 24 because my husband was abusive. I have been happily remarried for 33 years to a wonderful man!
My parents also had a good marriage but my Mother got sick at 50 and spent the next 17 years as an invalid until she died in 1991. My Father was so loving and kind to her, right up until her very last breath!!
I want to have the long a marriage….so far 31 years. But I think I need to take care of my health better…so many women are now having heart attacks at a young age due to poor health habits and added stress…Learning to relax more, eat better, and exercise more will help us all. I want to be like that couple in your picture…and we are working towards it together..=]
I have a good feeling about you and your sweetie! Best of luck !!
thank you <3
The first thing you have to do to stay married for 70 years is to live past 90.
“From your mouth to G-d’s ear!” Thanks for sharing!!
My grandparents, ages 103 and 100, have been married 80 years…how awesome is that!
OH MY GOSH!!!! CAN I INTERVIEW THEM???????