When you reach 50, the way you view romantic relationships can change. Rules you used to stick to when you were younger and in a relationship may not be important to you anymore. Here are 19 relationship rules you’re allowed to break once you’re 50.
Perfect Date Night
When you’re younger, trying to impress people can be the most important thing, and people do this by trying to provide the perfect date night possible. When you’re in your 50s, you realize that perfection isn’t important and that spending quality time together is what truly matters.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Morale reports, “When tensions run high, or you’re feeling a little stressed, it’s so easy to let minor inconveniences blow out of proportion until they become all-consuming arguments.” With age comes maturity, and when you’re in your 50s and in a relationship, you understand the importance of moving forward and letting go of little things.
Prioritizing Your Partner’s Needs Over Your Own
Many people, when they’re younger or in a new relationship, tend to compromise on their self-care. In your 50s, you realize that this isn’t good and understand the importance of doing the things you love. Sparing time for your own hobbies and interests can have a positive impact on your relationship.
Sexual Intimacy
When people are younger and in relationships, sexual intimacy is a very important aspect of a relationship. However, as you get older, you realize there are other ways to be intimate with your partner. This can be done by developing emotional connections or enjoying physical touch that isn’t sexual, such as cuddling.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Many people in relationships will avoid difficult conversations to keep the peace. However, people in their 50s realize from experience that this doesn’t help. They value being open and honest in relationships and addressing any issues so that they can take positive steps forward together.
Always Agreeing
According to Baggage Reclaim, “We can’t agree on every last little thing. Of course, we can pretend that we do, but the truth is that even if we keep it zipped privately, we don’t agree on every last little thing.” People in their 50s realize they don’t have to agree on everything in a relationship.
Suppressing Your True Feelings
Some people in romantic relationships can suppress their true feelings due to fear. Older people realize it’s important to be your true self and always be honest with your partner. Hiding your true feelings for someone means you’re not being genuine, and it can negatively impact your relationship.
Putting Up with Unacceptable Behavior
People in their 50s have both life and relationship experiences. They understand that tolerating unacceptable behavior is not good for themselves or their relationship. Instead, they have the courage to confront their partner about behaviors they won’t accept and reiterate their personal boundaries.
Staying Silent About Sexual Needs
Some people don’t have the confidence to express their sexual needs or don’t want to upset their partner. When you’re in your 50s, you tend to realize that it’s important to express your needs. Communicating about your sexual desires can help your partner understand your needs, which can have a positive impact on your partnership.
Hiding Health Issues from Your Partner
At any age, it’s important to always communicate any health issues with your partner, especially when you’re in your 50s. This will allow your partner to be there for you and support you in the best possible way. Being transparent will help you mentally focus on your health issue instead of worrying about keeping secrets from your partner.
Ignoring Red Flags
When you’re young and in a relationship, you can sometimes be blindsided by love, which can make you ignore red flags. People in their 50s tend to have learned from this mistake and address issues early on so their partner is aware and can make relevant changes. Self Magazine advises that your instincts are one of the best ways to spot red flags.
Avoiding Couple Therapy
Couples in their 50s understand how therapy can improve their relationships. They view seeking professional help as a positive step forward that can strengthen their partnership. Therapy provides an opportunity to be open and honest and get things off their chests.
Always Putting Family Before the Relationship
With age and many years with your partner, you begin to realize it’s more important to prioritize your relationship over your family. People in their 50s understand that maintaining a strong relationship can have a positive impact on all aspects of life, including your family.
Neglecting Personal Growth
Younger people tend to think that everything revolves around their partner, which can actually lead to relationships breaking down. Those in their 50s and in relationships understand that focusing on personal growth is very important. They’ll support their partner in pursuing their own goals, even if it means compromising on time together.
Sticking to Old Routines
After being in a relationship for a while, you may have your own traditions, such as a movie night together every Friday. Those in their 50s actually see the benefits of breaking these traditions. It can provide more excitement by trying different experiences and creating a deeper bond.
Not Talking About Exes
People who are younger and in relationships tend to avoid talking about previous experiences or exes. When you reach the age of 50, you see more benefits from doing this than drawbacks. It presents an opportunity to understand how your partner can benefit and learn together from past mistakes.
Avoid Conflict
Many couples have a rule that they will never argue. This can actually harm them, and couples in their 50s understand this. For example, according to the Bay Area BT Center, “Through conflict, individuals can become more aware of their own beliefs and values, improve their communication skills, and cultivate empathy and understanding for others.”
Always Sleeping in the Same Bed
Sleeping in the same bed as your partner is very important for many, as it’s a way to be connected as a couple. People in their 50s don’t feel it’s as important and prefer to prioritize their sleep instead. This can provide them with better rest, which can mean they can be a better partner.
Never Going to Bed Angry
As mentioned by Ecosa, “going to bed angry can sometimes resolve problems on its own, as it allows you to calm down and think objectively about the situation.” Many couples agree to resolve any conflict before going to bed. Those in their 50s have realized that actually sleeping on it, instead of resolving it in the moment, can have more benefits.
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