As people age, they begin to look at life with a different point of view. Maturity is part of the secret, but sharing life with a partner gives them an extra set of eyes on the world around them. This is generally a person they met as a young adult, and the two forged a relationship that has stood the test of time. Now, in the twilight of their lives, they can see the results of their time together. For many people this is a look at the children they brought into the world, and they also see the next generation their own children have provided. A lifetime career or small business may have contributed much to the world around them, and they can take a long view on how well or poorly they achieved their goals. Growing through their lives may have meant a garden, and the end of their lives may see the trees they planted growing into majestic forms of beauty and shade.
One of the more important aspects of life is the relationships people manage to achieve with others. There are some relationships that shine like a light, but it only occurs every few years. They see a friend or relative, have a chance to catch up and then this firefly of humanity disappears back into the world. Close relationships, such as with a partner, are often seen as the mellow light that graces home as evening falls. It is warm and comforting, and it provides a place of rest from the world.
As a person reaches the end of their life, they seldom make elaborate plans for the future. It is a time to look back over their life, and they take the time to judge how well they lived it. If everyone was fed, clothed and had a roof over their head, it might signify a good life. One of the more important aspects of this judgment is the state of their relationship with their partner. A good life is often measured by retaining a caring, considerate partner who was always there when the going was tough.
