"Si vous vieillissez avec quelqu'un, vous traversez tellement de rôles vous êtes amants, amis, ennemis, collègues, étrangers vous êtes frère et sœur."

Aging with someone means experiencing the ultimate journey of evolving roles and relationships. At its heart, the idea is that as two people grow older together, they don't remain static in their roles. They're not just lovers or friends forever—they dance through a multitude of roles. You become each other's everything, in a sense.

Think about it. When you first meet someone, maybe you're just friends. Over time, that might change into a romantic relationship. You navigate life's ups and downs together. Sometimes, conflicts arise, and you might feel like enemies. Yet, you work through those conflicts, and maybe you become stronger colleagues in the 'business' of life. At times, you might feel like strangers, disconnected and distant. But then, there are moments when you share such a deep bond, it feels like you're siblings, looking out for each other in the most profound ways.

This concept is so beautifully illustrated in the story of a couple I know. Let's call them Jack and Emma. They met in college, both wild and carefree. Initially, they were just acquaintances, part of the same friend group. Over time, they started dating. Those early years were full of passion and excitement. They traveled, explored, and experienced so much together. As they got older and started their careers, they had to adjust to new dynamics. They weren't just lovers anymore; they were partners, balancing work and home life.

Fast forward a few years, they had a huge fight. It was about money, of all things. For a while, they barely spoke, living more like enemies under the same roof. But with time, they worked through it, communicating and understanding each other's perspectives. They learned to be colleagues in managing their household, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other's careers.

As they grew older, they faced more challenges—health issues, family crises, and the like. There were moments when they felt like strangers, each dealing with their own struggles silently. But through all this, they rediscovered each other. They realized they were more than just a couple—they were like brother and sister, bound by a deep, unspoken bond that went beyond romance or friendship.

So how can you apply this wisdom? First, be flexible. Relationships are not static, and trying to force them into one mold won't work. Accept that you and your partner will play different roles at different times. Second, communicate. When you're feeling like enemies or strangers, talk about it. Understand that this is just one phase of many.

Imagine you're going through a tough time with your partner. You feel disconnected, like strangers living separate lives. Instead of giving up, think about the bigger picture. Remember that this is just one phase. Talk to your partner, share your feelings, and be open to the evolution of your relationship. You might find that this phase is an opportunity to grow closer in a new way.

In essence, aging with someone is about embracing change and understanding that relationships are dynamic. You're not just locked into one role. You get to experience the full spectrum of human connection, and that's a beautiful journey.