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Brookland couple share tips for dating on Valentine’s Day
They met and fell in love in a time when traditional gender roles were rigidly observed.
Back then ‘dating’ was known as ‘courting’, parental approval was a must, and letter writing was a sure-fire way to win a lady’s heart.
It might sound like hard work to some.
But five decades later, Reside Communities’ Golden Wedding Couples are still going strong, with a lifetime of relationship experience that the younger generations can only dream of clocking up.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, our residents have put together a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ to help teach millennials and Gen Z ers a thing or two about first-date etiquette and the secrets to everlasting love.
Part of the “silent generation” – born between 1928 and 1945 – this demographic is best known for its traditional values.
Judith and Lyle Bird are no exception.
The couple, who moved to Brookland on November 27, 2024, have been married 65 years and have two daughters, eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
They met outside Judy’s family-owned service station in Rockhampton following a motorbike accident during which Lyle says he “literally fell for Judith”.
“My mum sent me out for half a kilo of tomatoes,” said Lyle.
“I had them balanced on the motorbike when I saw a pair of legs and slightly elevated shoes, which led to some short yellow shorts. Next thing I knew I had crashed into a car which didn’t give me the right of way. Luckily it was only my pride that was damaged.”
The pair started dating soon afterwards and were married on January 2, 1960.
Now aged 87, the couple say they have never had an argument, and believe young people today need to work harder when it comes to relationships.
“Young people today don’t put the same effort into their relationships as they used to,” said Judith.
“They give up too early and get a divorce, which is a real shame for them.
“I used to go dancing every night of the week. People are on their phones now and don’t bother dancing. They are involved with their phone rather than real life.”
Lyle, a former primary school teacher, added: “I consider arguing to be a waste of time and effort, which is why we’ve never argued. I would advise young men to learn to say yes and no in the right places very early on. They will make a mistake, but they need to just roll with it, and don’t ever say, ‘I told you so.’”
Top tips from Reside’s ‘golden oldies’
- Dress sensibly and smartly
- Be ladylike
- Always enjoy a drink together
- Be a gentleman
- Don’t run before you can walk
- Work on your relationship
- Trust each other
- Don’t hold a grudge
- Don’t argue
- Never say, “I told you so!”
- Go dancing together
- Don’t take yourself seriously
- Don’t try to be a smart pants
- Put your phone down and have a conversation
- Sometimes you have to “suck it up” and move on