7 Rules for Finding Love in Your 70s (2 of 4)

Be flexible and forgive quickly

Look, we’ve all lived. We’ve loved before, lost before, and learned a few hard lessons along the way. There’s simply no extra time for sulking or silent treatments. Sometimes you’ll have to move out of the house you’ve been living in for decades and move in with your new partner, which is filled with his or her memories of the previous life. There’s just nothing you can do about it. It’s either you live together or apart. Flexibility keeps small stuff small. Assume positive intent unless there’s a pattern.

When conflict happens, get good at smoothing the edges. Talk it through, even when it’s awkward or something small and meaningless. For instance, discuss issues such as furniture placement, who is responsible for dishwashing, and whether the dishwasher is truly necessary. Say what you think. That’s not romantic fluff; it’s basic maintenance for a relationship that’s meant to last.

Build your relationship around shared joys

Attraction starts sparks, and shared interests keep the fire going. Find things you genuinely like doing together and make them your rituals. Whether it’s Friday bingo night, a good TV show to binge, talking about cats, Sunday markets, or cooking—you get the idea. It’s nice to have things in common at any age, but especially when you’re both older.