tessyfink

I love the rhythm in which the elderly tell their stories. Always very matter of fact, but with a touch of nostalgia. Reading this almost makes me feel a little weepy and nostalgic for those times long gone, and far before I was born.

Did you find that there were universal characteristics that make a relationship successful across all groups, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, money, etc?

Exactly. Their lives required much more hard work and struggle, but I feel like we've lost so much of our appreciation for the small joys of life; like fresh watermelon on a hot summer day.

Edit: that's not to say none of us appreciate watermelon on a hot summer day (I was just using that as an example from her answer anyway), but those small joys in life seemed a little harder to come by then. One had to grow, make, purchase, etc. many things that we take for granted today.

Wow, such a simple list. Yet, these four things are so often overlooked in typical relationship advice. It all boils down to making mindful decisions every day to take care of both oneself, and the often simple psychological needs of those we love.

Thanks for posting the article for all to read. Interesting to think how different your life (and your father's) may have been if this had never happened. Also, you might want to format the article a bit for ease of reading.