Our parents are our first role models when it comes to relationships. They methods they used to navigate the pathways of romance leave a pretty permanent impression on our relationship viewpoints. Their experiences help us gain a better understanding of what to do and what not to do when it comes to love.
In today’s society, especially when it comes to dating (and most of us use Dating Apps/ Social Media to meet people) expectations is “we meet, and then wham-bam-thank-you-sir-ma’am” .
My response is “I ain’t no Hussy (a sl*t). My family raised me to be conservative and get to know the person, courting, etc..” When it comes to sex and relationships, I will be honest with you- Nobody sees the true Salty Vixen unless there is a ring on my finger and when that happens, the husband will be the only one who will know the real life Salty Vixen, until then, I write Salty Vixen in words… My parents taught me some amazing wisdom and advice when it comes to dating and relationships (that is why I created this website, to continue to tell the wisdom my family told me)
In a recent romance poll we asked our readers to share what pearls of wisdom they’ve learned from their parents. Below are some of our favorite responses on topics ranging from children to teamwork.
MARRY FOR LOVE
“The most important thing my parents have taught me is to make sure to only marry someone that you really, truly love.”
–Amy B.
“My parents taught me what a relationship should NOT be like. Both married someone they didn’t really love (each other). As a result, my father was always frustrated (‘your mother is a cold fish,’ he’d say). I never saw them kiss, give loving touches, look at each other with love in their eyes. From this I learned how crucial sex, touching, verbal intimacy and tokens of love are to the success of a relationship. My significant other travels extensively for his job, but not a day passes that he doesn’t send me a card from your site. He also calls every morning to wake me up and at night before we go to sleep. We are so physically and emotionally in synch that we both have no doubt that we love and trust each other implicitly – something my parents never had. It makes me sad for them, for their entire marriage was a sham and both were sad & angry most of their lives.”
–Jen
“The most important thing I’ve learned from my parents is that the fairy tale of love CAN be real – that after 30 years, your partner can still light up the room for you.”
–Anonymous
HARD WORK & PERSEVERANCE
“My parents have taught me to work as hard in a relationship as you would at anything else you truly love!”
–Francine
“Even the best relationships still need to be worked on.”
–Jenn
“No matter what, if you love one another it will be worth it. Never give up. My parents have been through it all and no matter what thirty-six years later they are still in love. So, I would have to say that they taught me that love truly can conquer all!”
–Melinda
“Marriage vows are sacred, far stronger than any bumps or potholes along life’s highway.”
–Geoff
“Relationships take work. Yes, you get that ‘in love giddy feeling’ with every little thing being perfect, but it takes compromise, dedication and hard work from both people.”
–Catrina
CHILDREN & DIVORCE
“You shouldn’t stay married just for your kids. It makes you miserable, and it makes you a worse parent.”
–bekka
“I learned that if I am in a marriage that no longer has love, I will get out of it. Its’ not worth it to spend 30 years in a loveless marriage where neither one of you is actually happy.”
–Kez
“Not to stay together if you are unhappy. They did and I had a bad childhood!”
–Nancy
COMMUNICATION
“Don’t go to bed angry. Always communicate, tell each other your feelings and try to look at the other person’s point of view. Always be there for each other and spend time together. Listen to each other and love your mate unconditionally.”
–Vanessa
“Never argue about the petty stuff and never let the petty stuff argue you.”
–Linda
“To always communicate with each other. Be honest and never doubt each other. Trust in one another. Love one another and be as ONE!!”
–Lisa
“Communication is important. If something is bothering you about the other person, talk to them about it. Don’t let it eat at you and hope that they are going to change. How will they change if you don’t tell them?”
–Lize
RESPECT
“You must respect each other and be a team.”
–Anonymous
“We’ve learned to love and respect each other through the joys and trials of life, and to always infuse humor into situations.”
–L.R.
“Two people are not the same and your partner should be treated as you would want to be treated. If you made a mistake in your relationship remember, problems come and go. In order to build a strong relationship, one must be willing to forgive one another and move on. When you can do that you know you have found a true soul mate.”
–James
TOLERANCE & COMPROMISE
“If you love someone enough you will love the good and tolerate the bad.”
–Darlene
“After 38 years of marriage, the most important thing I learned from my parents is that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always a solution and a compromise to any problem if you really want there to be.”
–Tammy
“You can agree to disagree and still have a loving, fulfilling relationship.”
–wildlucky4me
“I have learned that love endures through all the good and bad things that may come about in a marriage.”
–Tim
“I’ve learned how important acceptability of one another is. I’ve learned tolerance from both of them and they are very supportive of each other.”
–Jumoke
“I’ve learned to leave the past in the past. Forgive others for things that have been said in the heat of an argument. Approach each other to apologize. Don’t wait for the other one to do it first.”
–Pam
HONESTY
“To be open and honest with the person you’re with. Lying about things only means you have something to hide, and it only makes things worse for everyone.”
–Melissa
“I would have to say being honest. Without honesty in your relationship it will not work. Lies have a tendency of catching up with you.”
–Jelana
TEAMWORK
“My parents have taught me how to work out solutions for every problem – together.”
–Mara
“You’re not always going to have time for each other, but when you do, you make that time special!”
–Sara
“A relationship won’t work if you don’t put the effort in and do things together; living together but living separate lives is not a relationship.”
–Lydia
“It takes two to make a relationship work, both parties have to be willing to support the other and give of each other in a loving manner. When things get tough, help each other get through the rough times. They have been together 48 years now.”
–Charles
