Falling in Love Still Matters
At a stage in life when many people believe love has settled into routine, I began questioning whether falling in love still matters—especially in later years.
During the holiday, a couple came over for lunch. We had known them for over 15 years, during which time we served as counselors for the young adults’ fellowship at church. The goal of the fellowship was to use our experiences to support members, typically middle-aged families between 30 and 45 years old.
Now, as they approach retirement and anticipate the arrival of their first grandchild, they spoke with excitement about the future. The husband mentioned a movie they had recently watched, briefly describing its plot—a common story about an affair during a couple’s golden years. He emphasized a line spoken by their son to his mother: “Daddy is falling in love.” Hearing this simple phrase I felt like a light bulb going off in my mind.
I asked ChatGPT, “What is falling in love?”
ChatGPT’s answer: “Falling in love is about rediscovery and emotional connection.”
This conversation, along with definition I had explored, led me realize that romantic feelings are not limited to youthful love. They can evolve over time and still hold profound meaning, even as we grow older.
The lunch gathering ended with an important message: “Love doesn’t have an expiration date. It evolves, endures, and continues to offer meaning, regardless of age. ” Perhaps this rediscovery of love is what makes life feel ever new, no matter how many years we’ve lived. Intimacy is not bound by age. While romantic feelings may evolve, they can still exist and be meaningful, even in later years. Overall, love is not just an initial spark but a journey that deepens over time.
