A GROUP of residents from Orchard Care Homes’ Thornton Hall in Crosby, who have more than 160 married years between them, have been reflecting on matters of the heart and have offered some romantic insight for singletons and couples this February.
Despite recognising how much the dating scene has changed over the decades, their traditional views and advice ring true, as they offer tips on what to wear, what constitutes the perfect first date and how to secure a loving, long-term partner.
After their own marriages, the group offered the following advice for a happy and successful, long-term relationship:
- Make sure you’re both happy
- Love and trust each other
- Never go to bed angry
- Don’t argue – talk through your problems
- Be faithful (or as Edna, 83, says “Don’t go gallivanting!”)
- Be kind to each other
- Make your own decisions
Activities co-ordinator Danielle Currie said: “We had so much fun with our people talking about love and dating around Valentine’s. It was so interesting to hear their views and reflect on their own romantic journeys, as dating is so different today, with many finding matches online or taking inspiration from TV like Love Island.
“What we’ve taken away from the discussions is that it doesn’t matter who does the asking on Valentine’s Day – just to be yourself and make your own choices in life.
“The group are such a positive bunch, with many having had happy relationships, so we’d all do well to take a leaf out of their books.”