July 4th 2024.
Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron star in the comedy film A Family Affair, portraying an unconventional couple - Brooke Harwood and Chris Cole - who challenge societal norms with their significant age gap. This bold storyline, though not new, has become more prevalent in pop culture over the years.
However, the stigma surrounding such relationships, particularly when the older person is a woman, remains. This is something that Lis McDermott, now 72, knows all too well. She met her partner Conrad when she was 41, while out dancing with a friend who was also 10 years younger. Lis wasn't actively looking for a serious relationship, but little did she know that the handsome stranger would become her life partner for over 30 years.
Their love story began with a chance encounter on the dancefloor. Lis noticed Conrad and mentioned to her friend that she thought he was cute. Her friend, who knew Conrad's companion, told him about Lis' interest. They shared a dance, but Conrad disappeared afterwards. Lis thought that he wasn't interested because of their age difference, but they crossed paths again at the bar towards the end of the night.
Taking a chance, Lis asked for Conrad's name and he asked for her number in return. The next day, he called her and they started dating. A year later, Conrad moved from Birmingham to Cheltenham to live with Lis. They both worked different jobs - Lis as a school music advisor and Conrad in the car rental industry. But after nine years, they decided to take the next step.
Conrad, who had always joked about marrying Lis on her birthday, surprised her by proposing and they got married on her 50th birthday. Lis recalls that he was never one for grand gestures, but he showed his love and commitment in his own way. Despite the disapproving opinions of others, Lis and Conrad have been happily married for 31 years now.
However, the judgement from others has not stopped, with people often assuming that the man in the relationship should be older. Lis shares that when they first got together, people would comment on their age difference and question their compatibility. But to Lis, they are just meant to be together - they are soulmates who share a love for music and a great sense of humor.
Even Lis' mother had her concerns, asking what people would say and if Conrad could take care of her financially. Lis, who has a successful career as an author, was not in need of financial support from a man. She believes that age shouldn't dictate one's ability to take care of themselves or be in a loving relationship.
Lis and Conrad's love has only grown stronger over the years, and they recently renewed their vows on their 20th wedding anniversary. They have never let the judgement of others stop them from being happy and living their lives to the fullest. Lis advises others not to let societal norms hold them back from love and to embrace it in all forms. As she puts it, "You love who you love. You don't tend to think about being old in a few years. Just go for it."
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