Updated: July 31, 2016
Originally Published: May 16, 2005
After catching the heartwarming viral video of a young couple, Jake and Mia, who underwent a professional aging transformation using special hair and makeup effects to envision their appearances in their fifties, seventies, and nineties, I couldn’t help but think how fun it would be for every couple to try this exercise. It’s a delightful activity you could enjoy before tying the knot and even long after you’ve exchanged vows.
Why? Because getting a glimpse of your future selves can remind you just how quickly time flies, highlighting the importance of cherishing each moment together. One minute, you’re knee-deep in wedding plans, and the next, you’re navigating the chaos of parenthood, figuring out how to adjust a BabyBjörn. Before you know it, your child’s preschool days blend into elementary years, and suddenly they’re off to college, diploma in hand. In a blink, you find yourself an empty-nester, and then—surprise—you’re a grandparent. Ah, the whirlwind of life!
Jake and Mia were clearly moved by the experience of truly contemplating their commitment to one another. Even the toughest skeptics would feel a tug at their heartstrings watching their emotional reactions. (What’s that in my eye? Oh, just allergies! Sniff.) These two were definitely not acting when they fought back tears after seeing their future selves as midlifers, retirees, and silver-haired seniors sharing their final moments together.
Their Fifties
Jake was impressed with how well his fiancée holds up in middle age. But Mia? Not so much.
Mia: Yep. I’m going to look just like my mom one day.
Jake: Looks like I need to start slathering on the sunscreen!
Mia: We’ll have a couple of teenagers … yikes, that’ll be interesting!
Jake: The PTA? Oh, God, that sounds bizarre!
Their Seventies
Mia was visibly touched by their transformation, even though she chuckled at the wigs. The reality of the lifelong commitment she was about to make began to resonate more deeply. Jake, too, was getting a little misty-eyed.
Jake: I’m honestly happy with how she looks!
Mia: I look like my grandma!
Jake: I don’t think I age gracefully…
Mia: I hope I’m taking better care of your hair by then!
Jake: I can’t help but think about the last 50 years … to see her like this and imagine what life will be like.
Mia: We’ll have kids, grandkids, and a million stories to tell…
Jake: And we’ll be forgetting so many things…
Mia: We’ll take care of each other. It’s moving to see someone you’ve known since you were 19, imagining life in your 70s together.
Their Nineties
Now the waterworks really started. The couple was facing their mortality, as well as the adventure that lay ahead.
Mia: Ohhh! [getting emotional, looking at Jake, then herself in the mirror]
Jake: You look amazing! Not a day over 75!
Mia: Really? You do too! [laughs and starts to cry]
Jake: When I smile, I look like a jolly old man. When I don’t, I look like a grumpy old man! [cue laughter]
Last Words
When asked to share their (future) final thoughts to one another, the young-old couple gazed into each other’s eyes, and heartfelt words flowed.
Mia: I just want him to know how much I’ve loved him and how important he’s been to me.
Jake: You’ve made me a better person. There are so many things I wouldn’t be without you.
Mia: It’s oddly comforting to see you this way… I couldn’t be more sure this is what I want. [They laugh and share a kiss.]
Cheers to you, Jake and Mia, as you prepare for your wedding day, from all the hopeless romantics out there!
This article was originally published on May 16, 2005.
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In summary, envisioning your future self with your partner can deepen your appreciation for the present and the journey of life ahead. Cherish each moment, and remember that love grows and transforms over time.