Love Through the Ages: Betty and Alan
When it comes to making a successful marriage, the couple agrees that an attitude of flexibility and evolution is essential. Watching your partner change and develop overtime should be something that binds you together rather than pulls you apart.
Couples stay together a long time because they’ve become more intertwined with each other. It isn’t something instantaneous, but rather a story that evolves over a long period of time.
— Alan
Betty and Alan have shared in each other’s support through good times and bad. Since retiring they’ve embraced adventure, spending four months a year travelling to the likes of Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bali, to name but a few. They agree that “it's important to remember that as you go through life, you shouldn't stop seeking adventure.”
But after nearly half a century together, you learn that life will always bring its challenges. Back when they moved to Connecticut, both Betty and Alan went for routine check-ups. Their doctor quickly got in touch to tell Betty she had good news and bad news. “Put simply, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
The good news was that it was detected much earlier than usual, meaning she had a good chance of fighting it. Her treatment was a difficult time not just for Betty but for everyone who loved her. Thankfully, she eventually finished treatment and was declared cancer-free.
To celebrate they went to a jeweller in Connecticut and decided to add two side diamonds to her diamond ring to represent the past, present and future—and gratitude for all three.
On her other hand Betty sports a three carat ruby that they had made at Taylor & Hart by their granddaughter—and our Design Director—Kate, to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
It feels very special to have a piece of jewellery that can mark a moment in time, and to bring a sense of hope. It’s good to have something tangible that can bring you back to a lesson that you’ve learned along the way.
— Betty
It seems that at the heart of Betty and Alan’s relationship is a deep sense of appreciation, both for each other and the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling life. “People don’t get to the end of their life wishing they had spent more time at work,” Alan warns. “Two people will make each other happier and more fulfilled together than either of those people ever could on their own. Love is the most significant event that happens to you in your life.”
We couldn’t agree more.