Erin and Mike married at 20 and had a relationship many envied. For decades, their love seemed unshakable. But at 76, Mike decided they were too old for romance—at least, that’s how he saw it. Erin, heartbroken, asked for a divorce, but an unexpected event changed everything.
“I don’t understand why you don’t bring me flowers anymore,” Erin sighed one day. Throughout their 56 years of marriage, Mike had always been romantic—until suddenly, he wasn’t.
“Erin, you won’t wither away just because I stopped bringing you flowers,” Mike replied from the couch, flipping through the TV channels.
She frowned. “That’s not fair. It’s been a month since you last did anything romantic. What’s going on? Are you having an affair? AT OUR AGE?” she asked, hands on her hips.
Mike groaned. “For God’s sake, Erin. I’ve been doing this for 56 years—buying you flowers, planning dates, making gestures. The moment I stop, you assume I’m cheating? That’s ridiculous!”
“I just don’t get it! Do you not love me anymore?” Erin’s voice broke.
Mike stood up, looking at her seriously. “Maybe I’m tired of being the only one putting in effort,” he admitted. “For over five decades, I’ve done it all—dates, gifts, flowers—while you just received them without ever reciprocating.”
Erin stood in stunned silence as Mike grabbed his coat and stepped out. Left alone, she reflected on their marriage. He wasn’t wrong. She had never been the one to plan dates or surprise him. She had always believed that maintaining the house, cooking, and raising their children was enough. But now, their children were grown, and Mike had carried the weight of keeping their love alive. That wasn’t fair to him.
Determined to change, Erin decided to show Mike the same love he had given her.
When he returned, she invited him on a date—her treat.
“I don’t want to,” Mike said, brushing past her. He barely spoke that night.
She understood. He was hurt. He needed time.
But despite her continued efforts, nothing changed. Mike rejected every attempt. When she brought him flowers, he frowned.
“These are more for you, aren’t they?” he muttered. “You don’t have to do this, Erin. We’re too old for all that now.”
“What do you mean? I’m trying to give back what I didn’t for 56 years! Why won’t you accept it?” she asked, frustrated.
“Because this isn’t what I wanted,” Mike sighed. “I just want us to relax. We’ve had enough romance. Now, it’s time to just… be.”
Erin’s heart sank. She had never felt this distant from him. Had love truly expired?
Two months passed, and things only grew worse. Their connection faded. The hugs, the kisses—everything felt forced. For the first time in decades, Erin felt shy around her own husband.
She couldn’t live like this.
“If there’s no romance left, then there’s no point in staying married,” she told their children when they tried to stop her.
Heartbroken but resolute, Erin filed for divorce. Mike moved in with their son, Henry, though their family struggled to understand it.
Then, months later, Henry’s wife answered a phone call.
“What?!” she gasped, her face pale as she turned to Mike. “We need to get to the hospital—Erin just had a heart attack!”
Mike froze, his book slipping from his hands. Then, without hesitation, he grabbed his coat and rushed out the door.
At the hospital, the doctor assured them Erin would recover, but she was weak. Mike never left her side. He fed her, kept her company, and cared for her every moment.
When she was finally discharged, he refused to leave.
“I’m here to help,” he insisted.
But their children knew the truth—he had never stopped loving her.
Soon, the flowers returned. The sweet gestures followed. And when Erin regained her strength, she made sure to show Mike the love he had always deserved.
On what would have been their 58th anniversary, they remarried—this time, with a new understanding of love.
What can we learn from this?
Relationships require effort from both partners. Love should never be one-sided.
Understanding your partner’s love language is key—some people give love differently than they receive it.
Never take love for granted. Even after years together, small acts of love can make all the difference.
Share this story—it may inspire someone who needs it.