Last week, my spouse and I came back from a vacation we had longed for over many years. Now in our sixties with grandchildren, we finally got to escape daily demands and simply exist as a couple again – not as parents or grandparents or caretakers – just two individuals in love.
The trip was tranquil, uncomplicated, and full of affection.
Each day we arose at 7 a.m. (which felt like a luxury for us!), walked on the shoreline, enjoyed local seafood, and conversed like in our courtship days. We chuckled, recalled old memories, walked hand-in-hand… and indeed, we shared kisses. With passion. With tenderness. Without any regrets.
A specific incident remains vivid. While pausing by the sea during sunset, as we kissed, a young lady nearby grinned and snapped a spontaneous photo of us. She hurried over and proposed sending it to us – we were deeply moved. I even became teary-eyed. It preserved a fragment of our romance in one image.
Upon returning home, I happily shared that picture on Facebook – a tender moment between an older pair still deeply enamored. The description stated: “After many years together, romance still resembles this.”
But then came the hurt.
Several hours later, I noticed a comment appear from my son’s wife. It stated:
“How does she even DARE to display her figure in a swimsuit?! And her kissing her spouse is disgusting.”
I was shocked.
This wasn’t merely impolite – it was heartless, unnecessary, and extremely painful. I couldn’t comprehend that someone I had embraced into my family, someone I had backed and cherished, would openly criticize me – for being content with my husband.
Before I could answer, the remark vanished. Obviously, she hadn’t intended for me to view it. Likely thought she was messaging a friend to gossip privately.
But it was too late – I had already captured a screenshot.
And at that point, I determined I wouldn’t dismiss it. Not from a desire for payback, but because I wanted to educate her – and perhaps others – an important lesson about dignity, growing older, and affection.
The Reality Check
The following day, I created a fresh post.
“To those who believe love, self-assurance, and happiness have a time limit – let me clarify. I’m 63\. I wear bathing suits. I kiss my spouse at the beach. I honor love loudly, confidently, and without embarrassment. If that makes anyone uneasy, please continue scrolling. But if you’re fortunate enough to love someone for decades, you’ll realize that every line, every embrace, and indeed – every kiss – is precious. Getting older isn’t shameful. Criticism is.”**
That post gained significant attention – well, as much as something on my Facebook could! Numerous friends, neighbors, even former schoolmates responded with encouragement, sharing tales of their own enduring relationships and the beauty of embracing joy at any age.
As for my son’s wife? She remained silent. But she viewed the post – I’m certain she did.
And since that time? The subtle hostile remarks have ended. She even clicked “like” on one of my latest images – a small but significant peace offering.
Growing Older Gracefully Means Living Courageously
To anyone who has ever been criticized for their physique, their years, or their happiness – don’t allow others to diminish you for living fully.
We don’t cease being lively, attractive, and worthy of affection just because we’ve gained some silver hairs. If anything, that’s when true living commences.
So indeed, I wore a bathing suit. Indeed, I kissed my spouse. And indeed, I’ll repeat it – because I’ve experienced enough life to understand that such moments are what existence truly values.
