What couples expect from each other at different ages



What a teenager seeks in love is not the same as the one in his forties.
A look at how the prospects of love changes at every age and stage in life

An ideal relationship often starts on the note of `Till-Death Do-Us-Apart' vows and fairy-tale weddings. However, relationships in the real world are driven more by practicalities than emotions. In fact, the dynamics between a couple change with time and gets more interesting. Let's take a look into the expectations that couples have of each other at different ages:

WHEN YOU ARE A TEENAGER
The phase of a teenager is all about a newness and discovery. Being attracted to the opposite sex is a part of that newness, but can It can also cause a lot of confusion as he or she is not just dealing with emotions, but hormones and peer pressure. And it's these factors that influence his or her expectations when they fall in love. Some of the things that they look out for in their relationship includes: Good looks form the most important part of this rela tionship, everyone wants their partner to be charming enough to flaunt.
Should have fancy add-ons like an expensive ride, latest gadgets or branded belongings to show off in front of friends and others.
Should be serious about studies, have a definite vision for the future, and yet not be geeky or boring. Should be able to entertain.
Should be courageous as well as intelligent, and be able to overcome the odds when required.
Should also have enough time for each other.

WHEN YOU ARE A YOUNG ADULT
You may have crossed the stage of puppy love, but you are still not done with exploring the world of relationship. While you at a stage when you've learned to make decisions, yet when it comes to matters of the heart, not everyone wants to settle down at this stage. So the things that a 20-some thing looks out for includes: Should have a high-flying career with larger-than-life goals.
Should be financially settled, as well as have several investments like an own house car.
Should be willing to sup port each other in their respective careers as well as assist their personal growth.
Should give enough space to each other, without being narrow minded and envious about the partner's success.
Should also stand like a rock in crisis and provide emotional sup port when needed.

WHEN YOU TURN MIDDLE-AGED
Believe it or not, love and romance is said to be best experienced by middle-aged couples. One of the reason being that most people come into their own when they turn 40 or 50, and are not governed by romantic notions. They have been through the storm, know the reality and don't depend on any one person for their happiness. So what they tend to generally seek in their partners are : Emotional strength rather than physical perfec tions; the latter is the least of their worries.
Dependability , where the partners should always be there for each other.
Attention, which translates in the relationship not getting eclipsed by the one shared with their chil dren.
Sharing and executing their retirement plans together, which includes a holiday home and fat savings Encouragement and support for one another's achievements in life -personal and professional.

WHEN YOU GROW OLD
An extension of the middle-aged, growing old does not seem to have a debilitating effect on love and romance.
On the contrary , the most satisfying relationship has been experienced by those in this age group. The quality of relationship is given more premium over factors like attraction by the older lot, who tend to seek out: Companionship and bonding with like-minded people.
It's the biggest criteria for a relationship at this age.
Selfless devotion and willingness to take care of each other.
An easy understanding with each other, without being too vocal or demonstrative about it.
Transparency in their dealing with each other, especially in matters of finance, investments, proper ties, etc.
Compatibility and less drama that beneficial to their health.

COUNSELLOR SPEAK
Marriage counsellor Sadhana Patil states that every age has its own expectations, especially when it involves a romantic relationship. “There's nothing wrong about any of these expectations. If teenagers expect their partner to be physically appealing, they have their reasons for it. It is an age when one tends to flaunt the best we have be it branded clothes or a good looking partner,“ she says.
Clinical psychologist Pratibha Rewari points out that the change in expectations takes place in a span of three-four years. “For instance, a friend of mine, who's in his early thirties, was romantically involved with a divorcee, who had a son. He was matured for his years, and believed more in giving than taking from the relationship.“