When we were young, we all dreamed of finding someone to love sincerely, to support each other through life, and never leave each other’s side.

But time can be a cruel thing, especially when it comes to relationships.

Many couples who were once in love find that as time passes, their love fades away, blurred by the years.

This can make us doubt the reliability of love, thinking it’s something intangible and uncertain.

Love may not withstand the test of time, and by middle age, the romantic love between spouses may have turned into a more companionate love, or even faded away.

As a result, many people start to feel that once they reach middle age, their partner becomes less essential.

But is this really the case? Do we still need each other after 50? Let’s listen to the honest opinions of these three middle-aged individuals.

Mr. Chen: “I’ve Never Thought About This Question, I’m Used to Having Her By My Side”

I often hear people say that by middle age, couples may not feel much love for each other anymore, and as long as they don’t dislike each other, they can continue living together.

I disagree with this view.

It’s like when you cherish something you worked hard to obtain. At first, you’re excited and eager to protect it.

Over time, your love for it may diminish, and you might think you could let it go. But when faced with losing it, you realize its value and remember the joy it brought you.

Isn’t it the same for couples? I remember when I pursued her, feeling nervous yet hopeful, willing to cherish her if she accepted me. We should never forget our initial intentions and responsibilities towards our partners.

The fading of love in a marriage is natural, but it’s not an excuse to forget the promises we made.

I’ve never questioned the need for my wife in my life; I’m just used to having her by my side.

Ms. Wu: “The Older You Get, the More You Need Your Partner”

If you had asked me if I needed a partner when I was young, I might have hesitated.

Back then, I was independent, could support myself, and didn’t need comforting or care when I was sad or sick.

Even without a man by my side, I could live well.

But now, my answer to this question is a definite “Yes.”

As we age, we become more fragile and fear loneliness.

Now that I’m over 50, my children have their own lives and don’t need our constant attention. At this age, having your partner by your side, appreciating your good and tolerating your flaws, is crucial.

Without my partner, I would feel truly alone. Having someone to talk to and share life with is a form of happiness.

Mr. Qin: “Seeing My Father’s Loneliness Makes Me Treasure My Current Life More”

My mother passed away many years ago, and since then, my father has been living alone. I wanted him to live with us in the city, but he prefers his solitude and staying close to my mother’s memory.

I respect his choice, but every time I visit, I see him aging and becoming quieter.

Although he manages the house well, I sense his loneliness. He keeps my mother’s belongings as they remind him of her.

Seeing my father’s loneliness, I feel both compassion and a realization about life.

Though I’m only just over 50 and still independent, I understand that everyone will grow old and eventually face departure.

I fear the day when that time comes too soon, but I must accept this reality.

Therefore, I cherish my current life and the people around me even more. Naturally, I cannot imagine my life without a partner.

After hearing the heartfelt words of these three middle-aged individuals, one can truly understand the significance of marriage.

Marriage is about staying together through thick and thin, cherishing each other, even in times of hardship. Finding the right person to journey through life with is no easy feat.

Since we’ve come this far, thinking of leaving now would not only betray our partner but also waste our own lives.

The most admirable thing is not loving many people in a lifetime but loving one person and spending your whole life with them.

Life is like a train heading towards its destination. May everyone find that special someone to share a warm future with.