What Our Parents Got Right About Marriage (and Why It Still Matters)

If there’s one thing Boomers know how to do, it’s to commit. Say what you will about their love of chain restaurants and aversion to TikTok, but they have some solid advice regarding tying the knot. Sure, every generation has its quirks and challenges. However, some old-school marriage wisdom from our parents and grandparents still holds up—even in the age of dating apps and situationships. Here are six things Boomers nailed about marriage that Gen Z might want to remember.

1. Prioritizing Long-Term Commitment

Boomers grew up seeing marriage as a lifetime partnership—and they committed to it. According to the Pew Research Center, about 76% of Boomers were married by 35, compared to only 44% of Millennials and even fewer Gen Zers. While today’s relationship goals focus more on personal growth and compatibility (as they should), there’s something to be said for sticking it out through the tough times. For Boomers, marriage was a marathon, not a sprint—and that endurance mindset can be a game-changer when the honeymoon phase fades.

2. Friendship as the Foundation

Boomers love to say their spouse is their best friend. Science backs up this approach: The National Bureau of Economic Research found that couples who see their spouse as their best friend are twice as likely to report higher life satisfaction. Friendship builds trust and mutual respect, making navigating life’s ups and downs easier. So next time you’re on a first date, ask yourself: “Could I picture us binge-watching Netflix and cracking inside jokes 30 years from now?”

3. Teamwork in Finances

Boomers didn’t shy away from talking about money—even if it got awkward. Fidelity Investments reports that 72% of Baby Boomer couples regularly discuss financial goals together, compared to just 45% of Millennial couples. Tackling budgets, saving for a house, or planning retirement might not scream romance, but financial compatibility is a cornerstone of a stable marriage. Gen Z, take note: Start those money convos early—it can save you a lot of headaches (and arguments) later on.

4. Shared Rituals and Traditions

Remember how your grandparents always had “date night” at their favorite diner or spent Sunday mornings reading the newspaper together? Those rituals aren’t just cute—they’re glue for a relationship. Research from the University of Virginia’s National Marriage Project shows that shared traditions and regular quality time strengthen emotional bonds. Whether it’s cooking dinner together, walking the dog, or having a weekly movie night, creating rituals can keep the spark alive—even years later.

5. Putting in the Work

Boomers didn’t expect marriage to be easy. Long before couples therapy and self-help books became trendy, they used these tools to strengthen their relationships. A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that couples who actively work on their relationship—through therapy or other means—report higher satisfaction and longevity. Boomers were early adopters of the idea that a great marriage doesn’t just happen; it’s built.

6. Valuing the Little Things

Here’s a lesson from the Boomer playbook: Appreciate the little things. Small acts of kindness–like packing a lunch, leaving a sweet note, or just saying “thank you” after a long day–go a long way. A study from the Gottman Institute, renowned for its research on relationships, found that couples who regularly express gratitude for one another are significantly more likely to stay together. Sure, grand gestures are nice, but the daily “I got your favorite snack” moments make a marriage thrive.

Why Gen Z Should Care

Marriage isn’t the goal for everyone, and that’s okay. But if it’s on your radar, there’s no harm in borrowing a page from the Boomers’ playbook. Marriage is about connection, trust, and shared purpose—things that transcend generations. By blending old-school wisdom with modern values, Gen Z can redefine marriage in a meaningful and sustainable way.

So, don’t roll your eyes too hard the next time your parents or grandparents start dishing out marriage advice. You might just learn something that saves your future relationship—and gets you to your 50th anniversary with a smile.