I once heard a woman lamenting about her “shelf life”. I had never heard that expression before and I asked her to explain. She said that men find women less attractive as women get older. Therefore, women have a limited time in which to find a suitable mate. If they get too old, they will be cast aside like last week’s newspaper. She went on to explain that men don’t have that problem since women find them attractive at any age.

I remember feeling very sad at this cynical viewpoint, and I told her so. I went on to explain, that while the body certainly ages, virtue never does. I told her that what men and women alike are really seeking is someone of virtue, not some perfect physical specimen. A person who lives their life guided by timeless virtues like honesty, integrity, commitment, self-control, respect, kindness, and selflessness, is a rare person indeed. This is what makes them so attractive. And virtuous people always attract other virtuous people.

Physically attractive people are everywhere, virtuous people are not. Without virtue, all that you will have left as you age is wrinkles. Live a life of virtue and you will remain vibrant and attractive no matter how old you get.

Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue… – 2 Peter 1:5 

Originally posted 2014-08-01 06:00:23.