Sitting across from me in Borders Books is an elderly couple. The husband is reading a book on economics and sipping hot coffee. The wife is flipping through a magazine and eating a slice of chocolate cake.

"Young people today," the wife announces. "They're so quick to get divorced. They don't understand the value of marriage anymore."

"Did another Hollywood couple get divorced?" asks the husband without looking up from his book.

"Yea. And they're so young too."

"That's because they don't know how to compromise anymore. They have no respect for each other anymore." The husband takes a sip of coffee and slowly shakes his head.

"You're absolutely right. It's all about respect."

The husband looks into his wife's eyes and they smile silently at each other for a moment. "Respect," the husband nods.

"Do you want to try some of this cake?" the wife asks. "It's delicious."

"No thanks." He looks over at his wife's empty cup. "Let me get us some more coffee." He slowly backs out of his chair and walks to the coffee counter.

As he orders more coffee, she picks up their empty cups and drops them into the garbage.

"Two piping hot coffees!" the husband declares as he returns. "Ow, they're hot!"

She takes her coffee from his hand as he takes a seat. "Oh my, it IS hot!"

"Just like my baby!" he adds with a smile.

She smiles back and puts her hand on his cheek. They both take careful sips of their coffee and return to their reading.

The husband notices me staring at them and looks up. I give him a smile and a nod. He returns my nod and gives me a wink.

I turn back to my laptop and realize that he gave me more than just a wink and a story; he also gave me a life lesson.

. . .

Have you learned any good life lessons?