Wisdom from the Ages: What ’30 Lessons for Loving’ Can Teach Us About Relationships

’30 Lessons for Loving’ by Karl Pillemer, PhD.

Karl Pillemer, PhD, is the founder and director of the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging, a center that works to increase public awareness of aging research. Dr. Pillemer has authored more than one hundred scientific publications and has spoken widely throughout the world on issues of successful aging, family relationships, and elder care. His book “30 Lessons for Loving: Advice from the Wisest Americans on Love, Relationships, and Marriage” gives sage advice and memorable stories from extraordinary older Americans who share advice on love, relationships, and marriage. (Amazon, 2024)

“30 Lessons for Loving” – Based on the most detailed survey of long married people ever conducted, it shows the way to lifelong, fulfilling relationships. The author offers sage advice from the oldest and wisest Americans on everything from finding a partner, to deciding to commit, to growing old together. Along the way, the book answers questions like these: How do you know if the person you love is the right one? What are the secrets for improving communication and reducing conflict? What gets you through the major stresses of marriage, such as child-rearing, work, money issues, and in-laws? From interviews with 700 elders it offers unique wisdom that will enrich anyone’s relationship life, from people searching for the right partner to those working to keep the spark alive after decades together. It is structured around thirty distinct lessons, each offering practical advice and profound insights derived from real-life stories.

Chapters include:
Chapter 1: Evening the Odds: Lessons for Finding a Mate
Chapter 2: Communication Is the Key
Chapter 3: Getting Through the Hard Parts
Chapter 4: Keeping the Spark Alive
Chapter 5: Thinking Like an Expert About Love and Marriage

Review:
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its blend of empirical research with heartfelt personal stories. Pillemer’s approach is scholarly and accessible, making the wisdom of seasoned couples relatable and actionable for readers of all ages. The lessons cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of communication and forgiveness to the role of shared experiences in strengthening bonds.

Highlights:
Chapter 2 Lesson Five: Three Danger Signs – Points to dangers signs that could signal that a relationship is in trouble including Violence – Once is More Than Enough; Your Partner Is Controlling; and Your Partner Demeans You.

Chapter 3 Lesson Two: Work-Family Stress: Make Your Home a Safe Haven – emphasizes the importance of making your home a safe place free from the stresses of work and avoiding the dreaded “spillover”: “…elders believe that adopting an attitude that ‘home is home and work is work’ is a critical first step.

Overall, “30 Lessons for Loving” is an optimistic yet realistic perspective on love and acknowledges the complexities and challenges of relationships while providing hopeful strategies for overcoming them. The practical advice, grounded in the experiences of those who have navigated long-term relationships, offers valuable guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their connections with loved ones. It is a thoughtful and enriching read for anyone interested in the enduring art of love.

“It’s true that the experts highlight verbal communication-they want you to keep talking. But in addition to conversations, they suggest that actions can speak as loudly as words.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Whose Birthday Is It?’ by Dennis Lee Edwards

‘Whose Birthday Is It?: What Do You Really Know About The Day You Were Born?’ is the new book by Dennis Lee Edwards. Photo: Dennis Lee Edwards, used with permission.

Even though most people celebrate their birthday every year, how many of us stop and think about what really happened on our BIRTH DAY. Today’s new book release focuses on the human experience surrounding motherhood, loss, and family relationships. These topics are explored through one son’s experience after losing his mother. If this has gotten your attention and would like to read more about the subject, pick up your copy of  “Whose Birthday Is It?: What Do You Really Know About The Day You Were Born?” by Dennis Lee Edwards. It is available on Amazon.

Dennis Lee Edwards has been enhancing and saving lives as an Organ Procurement Coordinator serving the people of Maryland for the past 25 years. He has also founded, owned, or maintained partnership stakes in a variety of companies including Unlimited Tanning & Fitness, Proxy Entertainment, Prohealthsol Community Foundation, and more. His new book “Whose Birthday Is It?: What Do You Really Know About The Day You Were Born?” is a beautiful and insightful work of fiction that explores the universal themes of love, loss, and the human experience in a fresh and captivating way. (Dennis Lee Edwards, 2023)

“Whose Birthday Is It?: What Do You Really Know About The Day You Were Born?” – The author of this book captures the reader’s attention from the start by weaving a tale of a son’s grief over the loss of his mother, which is intensified by the coincidental alignment of his mother’s burial with his birthday. The man’s memories of his mother and the special ritual they shared on his birthday provide a lens through which the reader can explore the anthropological phenomenon of a woman’s transition into motherhood.

The story’s exploration of this phenomenon is both insightful and engaging, with the author taking care to provide historical and cultural context that helps to frame the phenomenon in a way that is accessible to the reader. The author’s narrative style is also captivating, with a poetic use of language that immerses the reader in the story. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking read.

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Book highlight: ‘No More Relation$#!t’ by Jonathan Carnley

‘No More Relation$#!t’ is a dating and relationship guide by Jonathan Carnley. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Jonathan Carnley is an author whose difficult childhood included bullying at school and an abusive home life. Even though he survived and thrived, some of his adult relationships were not any better. Admittedly, he has made his share of mistakes and has done his best to make amends and one of his goals is never repeating those mistakes. He has been where many of us have been and can fully relate. In his book “No More Relation$#!t: A Woman’s Guide to Avoiding the Pieces of $#!t While Dating” he shares insight into the male psyche to help women navigate the challenging world of dating. (Jonathan Carnley, 2023)

“No More Relation$#!t” – This is a guide that helps women avoid men who are not worth their time or do not have their best interest in mind. It goes into detail about the various types of men, their motives, and all the signs to look for. It is not about what mistakes you make, have made, or will make. It is about what things to look for or recognize. It is a serious look at the dating world for women with a little comedy thrown in to keep you entertained and laughing at times. Here are a couple of quotes to pique your interest.

“Remember, red flags are for traveling carnivals, and if you ignore them, you will be trapped into paying for something that was supposed to be ‘free,’ be stuck watching a crappy show, wind up with a clown who is performing for others, be left with kids you didn’t bring, and be left behind when they leave town.”

“While many things look like a green flag, I will be honest and tell you right now that there is no such thing. Well…I mean if an angel came down from heaven and gives you a note directly from God you might consider that a green flag….Or…It could be an alien that is trying to get you to mate with their species to take over the world. I’m just saying that you have a better chance of being struck by lightning while riding a unicorn on the way to cash in your winning lottery ticket.”

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