She Strengthens

Rethinking Modern Relationships: Wisdom from Mothers and Grandmothers

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we’re reminded of the valuable lessons our mothers and grandmothers can teach us about marriage, money, and life. Recently, we spoke to five women who shared their insights on what they think this generation gets wrong.

The Importance of Independence

DeEtte, a 50-year-old mother and personal trainer, emphasizes the need for emotional and financial independence before entering a long-term relationship. “Knowing who you are beforehand is key,” she says. “Otherwise, you can get trapped into being who you think the other person wants you to be, instead of knowing who you are and what you need.” She also warns against ignoring red flags, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

Reevaluating Traditional Relationships

Leslie, a 49-year-old mother and substitute teacher, believes that younger women often misinterpret traditional relationships. “You don’t make him a sandwich because you’re ‘upposed to,’” she says. “You do it as an act of love.” She also notes that social media envy can be detrimental to relationships, as it creates unrealistic expectations.

The Value of Human Connection

Caridad, a 62-year-old mother and early childhood educator, laments the loss of human touch in today’s digital age. “This generation is losing its human touch,” she says. “They don’t like to interact with people face-to-face, and I think it will affect them in the long run.” She also stresses the importance of budgeting and living within one’s means.

The Dangers of Instant Gratification

Priya, a 51-year-old mother, warns against the instant gratification mentality that pervades the younger generation. “Everything is instantaneous,” she says. “If they can get something now, they will forgo everything and just run after that to get immediate gratification.” She advises taking baby steps towards larger goals and avoiding cancel culture.

Rethinking Financial Independence

Marie, a 62-year-old mother and nurse, believes that young women often place too much value on money. “It’s not a handout; it’s your husband,” she says. “Accept the help. It’s a partnership.” She shares her own story of balancing education and work with her husband’s support, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each other’s strengths.

These wise words from mothers and grandmothers offer valuable insights into modern relationships and financial literacy. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the lessons our elders can teach us.