Erin and Mike got married at 20 and had the best marriage anyone could want. But at 76 years old, Mike realized they were too old for all that romance, mainly because it was one-sided. Erin was heartbroken and asked for a divorce, but a shocking event happened.
“I don’t understand why you don’t bring me flowers anymore,” Erin whined to her husband, Mike, one day. After 56 years of marriage, her husband had suddenly stopped being romantic, something that had made their relationship the envy of everyone they knew.
“Erin, you are not going to die if I don’t bring flowers every day,” Mike answered from his place on the couch, his hand grabbing the remote control to flip a channel.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Erin was displeased. “But that’s not fair. For the past month, you’ve stopped every single romantic gesture. What’s happening? Are you having an affair? AT OUR AGE?” she exclaimed in outrage, placing her hands on her waist.
“For God’s sake, Erin. It’s been decades since we got married, and I’ve given you something every day since. But I stop for a while and suddenly I’m cheating on you? Are you crazy?” Mike asked, focusing on his wife.
“I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND! DON’T YOU LOVE ME ANYMORE?” Erin yelled.
Mike stood up from the couch at that question and looked at his wife seriously. “Maybe I’m tired of being the only one making some sort of romantic gesture!” he blurted. “56 years, Erin! For 56 years, I was the only one expressing any kind of romance. I invite you on dates. I buy flowers. I buy gifts. I do EVERYTHING! And you simply take everything and give nothing back!”
Erin’s mouth dropped at her husband’s words, but Mike didn’t stick around to see it and went out for a walk to cool down.
Meanwhile, she slumped on the kitchen table and thought back to their marriage. Mike was not entirely wrong. She never asked him on dates or bought him much. Erin could excuse her behavior, saying that they were born in a different time, where the men made all the effort in the romance aspect. But that was a cheap cop-out.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Erin thought maintaining their home, cooking, and raising their children was enough. But their kids had moved away many years ago. She still cleaned and cooked, but clearly, her husband had all the pressure of keeping their spark alive. That was unfair to him, so Erin decided to change a few things.
When Mike returned, she asked him on a date and was going to pay. However, her husband refused.
“I don’t want to do that right now,” he said, going to their room and barely speaking to her that night.
Fair enough, Erin thought. Mike was angry at her, but she could be patient and wait for his anger to subside.
Unfortunately, nothing she did appeased him. Mike would not accept her tries at romantic gestures and grew angry every time she insisted. Erin bought him some flowers at one point, and he frowned at them.
“These are more for you, right?” Mike asked, still frowning and quirking one eyebrow. “You don’t have to keep doing these things, Erin. We are already too old for this.”
“What do you mean? I’m trying to give back what I haven’t in 56 years. Why can’t you accept it?” Erin snapped back, raising her hands at her sides. She was completely confused by his attitude now. Wasn’t this was he asked for?
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Because this is not what I wanted. I just want us to relax and stop trying so hard. We’re old. We’ve had more than enough romance in our lives. Now, it’s time to just… be,” Mike replied, giving her the flowers back and going to the porch for a smoke.
Erin looked at him sitting outside, and her heart broke. She couldn’t deal with it. She didn’t understand why he suddenly didn’t want any romance. Is there an expiration date for love? Erin thought glumly, walking back to her room.
She tried to make this new arrangement work, but it was hard. Mike didn’t kiss or hug her as often. Suddenly, she was also shy around him. That had not happened in half a century. Two months passed since then, and it simply wasn’t working.
Therefore, Erin asked him for a divorce. She couldn’t live with someone she didn’t love.
Mike was shocked but agreed to move while Erin stayed in their house. Their son, Henry, took him in, although this new arrangement concerned the rest of their children. Their two daughters, Alexandra and Marissa, tried to change Erin’s mind, but their mother was determined.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“If the romance is over, there’s no reason to be married,” she told her girls stubbornly. Shortly after, Erin filed for divorce, and a few months later, it was finalized.
Mike was still at Henry’s house when the landline rang. Henry’s wife answered and suddenly exclaimed, “What?!”
The older man looked up from his novel, focusing on his son’s wife, as she turned to look at him with the most concerned expression on her face. “Ok, we’ll be right there,” she said to the phone and hung up. “Mike, we have to go to the hospital. Erin just had a heart attack!”
Mike’s eyes widened in surprise before he went into action. He rushed to his jacket, throwing his book and reading glasses away.
When they reached the hospital, the doctor explained that Erin was alright but couldn’t move much. Mike sat down beside her and never left. He hand-fed her and kept her company. When she was discharged, he refused to leave their house, claiming that he was there to help.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
But Henry, Marissa, and Alexandra knew the truth. Their dad was back home because he loved their mother and never stopped despite the divorce. Soon enough, the flowers and the romantic gestures kept coming again.
And when Erin got better, she returned the gestures so that Mike would never feel slighted ever again. They rekindled their romance and remarried on what would’ve been their original 58th anniversary.
What can we learn from this story?
- Reciprocation is essential in any relationship. Both partners must work hard to maintain a relationship.
- Find out your spouse’s love language. Some people love giving gifts, and others prefer acts of service. It’s crucial to find out what your partner likes before creating problems.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
‘Classic and Chic’: Fans Gush Over the ‘Best Dressed’ Lady at Donald Trump’s Inauguration – Photos
Aside from a pivotal figure dazzling netizens with the widely praised ensemble she wore at Donald Trump’s inauguration, other esteemed women attended the prestigious event in eye-catching outfits.
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States during his second inauguration in Washington, DC. Amid the elite and elegantly dressed people in attendance was a certain First Lady who garnered swoon-worthy compliments from social media users, dubbing her the best dressed.
Fan comment about a woman who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: X/@hikingatrail
Fan comment about a woman who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: X/@hikingatrail
The public figure who stole the show at the inauguration was none other than First Lady of the US (FLOTUS) Melania Trump. Her outfit — a sleek, double-breasted navy coat with sharp lapels and a structured silhouette — exuded sophistication and timeless elegance.
Melania Trump during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Melania paired her ensemble with black closed-toe heels and gloves. Topping off her look was a bold, wide-brimmed navy hat with a white band, adding a modern yet classic flair to her appearance.
Melania Trump with her hand on her chest and Donald Trump saluting during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump with her hand on her chest and Donald Trump saluting during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images
The designer behind her stunning outfit, Adam Lippes, boasted about his creation on Instagram with a heartfelt post.
Alongside a photo of Melania standing beside a soldier in uniform, Adam wrote, “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor to dress our First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
Equally noteworthy was Melania’s striking hat, designed by Eric Javits, who shared his enthusiasm on Instagram through a carousel of images showcasing the item from various angles.
A close-up view of Melania Trump’s hat, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits
A close-up view of Melania Trump’s hat, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits
The carousel also included an intimate behind-the-scenes video of Eric meticulously crafting the piece from scratch.
Eric Javits crafting Melania Trump’s hat from scratch. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits
Eric Javits crafting Melania Trump’s hat from scratch. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits
In his caption, he revealed his admiration for the First Lady, writing, “It was my great honor and privilege to create the hat our First Lady, Melania Trump, wore for the inaugural swearing-in of our 47th President! She has the inner grace, beauty, and presence to transform what was really a very simple, restrained hat style into what became a ‘wow’ moment. The First Lady’s hat was made with love.”
Melania’s inauguration ensemble sparked a whirlwind of online admiration, as netizens flooded social media with praise for her impeccable style.
“Jaw-dropping high fashion returns to DC. Melania Trump was born for this moment. Magnificent!” exclaimed a fan, whose comment was accompanied by a striking photo of Melania in her iconic hat.
Melania Trump at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Another declared, “She was the best dressed [sic] lady at the inauguration,” while a fellow admirer added, “Melania Trump is always the BEST dressed woman in any room. I adore her style & grace 😍.”
Melania Trump looks on during the inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump looks on during the inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
“Melania’s Outfit and Hat stole the show at the Trump Inauguration! STYLE POINTS! #melania #melaniatrump #firstlady #firstladymelania #melaniahat #melaniaoutfit #melaniafashion #FashionoftheFirstLady #TrumpInauguration2025” penned a supporter.
Donald and Melania Trump looking on during his inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Donald and Melania Trump looking on during his inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Admiration for Melania’s elegance was unanimous, with fans raving about her poise and timeless fashion sense. Yet another supporter enthusiastically declared, “Classy as always!”
Someone else echoed, “Melania looked very chic,” while an admirer swooned, “Absolutely, beautiful and elegant!” “Very regal! 👸 ❤️🤍💙,” gushed another.
Melania Trump at a luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump at a luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
One fan expressed heartfelt relief and joy at Melania’s return to the public eye, sharing, “Elegance, grace, and beauty. I am so relived [sic] and happy that First Lady Melania is back. Her outfits have been a pleasure to witness thus far.” Another summarized the online consensus perfectly, writing, “Classic and chic. Stunning.”
Melania Trump smiling at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump smiling at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
While Melania Trump appeared to be the belle of the ball, other prominent women also stood out with their stunning ensembles, including the Second Lady and wife of Vice President JD Vance, Usha Vance.
Making her entrance with effortless grace, Usha captivated onlookers in a custom-designed outfit by Oscar de la Renta.
Second Lady Usha Vance standing with Vice President JD Vance during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Second Lady Usha Vance standing with Vice President JD Vance during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
The ensemble featured a soft peony cashmere coat with a built-in scarf wrap, paired elegantly with a complementing tea-length dress.
She completed the look with suede knee-high boots and a delicate clutch, creating a polished and feminine aesthetic. The fashion house celebrated the moment on Instagram by sharing photos of Usha’s look.
Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the newly inaugurated president, also stood out in her outfit, as she made a striking entrance alongside her husband, Jared Kushner, and their son.
She donned a forest green ensemble featuring a cinched-waist peplum jacket that accentuated her figure, and paired this with a matching pencil skirt. The monochromatic look was completed with a beret, sleek black heels, black leather gloves, and a structured handbag.
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their son Joseph departing from the East Front of the United States Capitol. | Source: Getty Images
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their son Joseph departing from the East Front of the United States Capitol. | Source: Getty Images
Tiffany Trump, Donald’s youngest daughter, turned heads in a striking navy velvet coat. The floor-length design featured a double-breasted silhouette and a cinched waist. She paired the look with black, heeled boots.
Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos after her dad’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos after her dad’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Lauren Sanchez, partner of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made a chic statement at the inauguration in a tailored white blazer. Her sophisticated outfit was complemented by a sheer top underneath and sparkling drop earrings.
Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez at the US Capitol. | Source: Getty Images
Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez at the US Capitol. | Source: Getty Images
Priscilla Chan, wife of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, opted for a cozy yet polished look. She wore a light blue cardigan with delicate gold buttons and accessorized with stunning pearls.
Priscilla Chan looking at Mark Zuckerberg’s phone as they stand next to each other during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Priscilla Chan looking at Mark Zuckerberg’s phone as they stand next to each other during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump, donned a sophisticated yet bold outfit. She wore a navy textured coat with fringe detailing at the hem and sparkling silver buttons running down the front.
Lara and Eric Trump leaving after Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
Lara and Eric Trump leaving after Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images
The outfit highlighted her sleek silhouette, while the thigh-high slit added a touch of modernity. Completing the look, Lara paired the ensemble with black heels.
Leave a Reply