I love to watch couples who look into each other’s eyes while dancing and hold hands while taking walks. I remember when I first met Daryl, he said, one of the things he really missed was holding his wife’s hand. I never forgot, and as soon as the car door opens, my hand is extended for him to hold. When I was alone for many years, the two things I missed the most were barbecue pork steaks and hugs!  I became a natural hugger. I have not been able to work out the barbecue pork steak thing, but over the years I became an expert in the art of hugging. We sometimes forget that human beings crave human touch as much as our pets do.

I guess I have always been a hopeless romantic but when I see some people, I cannot help wondering about their love story. I always notice the couples who really look like they are in love. No, they are not making out on the dance floor, but there is an undeniable tenderness in how they relate to each other. I do not think it matters how long a couple has been together. I have met couples who have been sweethearts since junior high and have been married for 50 plus years, and some who have been together for much shorter time periods. They could be in a crowded room, but their body language is obvious as is, the look of love and respect on their faces. They are truly connected and happy together.

Elderly couples are the sweetest to watch as they tenderly help each other with the everyday things that are truly thoughtful and caring. He always walks her on and off the dance floor, opens the door for her, and she makes sure he takes his blood pressure medicine and vitamins. They are devoted to helping each other with their individual aging issues, including the silly things like finding each other’s glasses, the hidden TV remote and cell phones. It is particularly sweet when we each struggle for a word that is on the tip of our tongue or the name of an actor when watching a movie. Neither can remember the actor’s name, but both know exactly who we are talking about and laugh together an hour later when one of us finally remembers. That happens daily with Daryl and me.

Another thing I notice is couples who not only laugh with, but at, each other. Life continues to become harder with age, especially if we are alone. I believe love, acceptance and trust can happen at any stage of life, if we leave the door open for endless possibilities. We do not have to be married to have a best friend, confident or helper. We just need caring individuals who accept, help, and love us unconditionally, to be loved and connected at any age!