But for the Wards of Balclutha — who celebrated 60 years of marriage last week — obstacles are simply there to be overcome.
The 81-year-olds are an Otago love story, as Alison (nee Varcoe) who hails from Dunedin, met Colin at a dance in Oamaru.
Mr Ward, from Timaru, was on one of his monthly visits from sheep mustering in the Makarora high country when they met, meaning decisions needed to be made quickly, he said.
"I was pretty keen from the outset. It could take me days on horseback to get out of the high country to town, so I had to strike while the iron was hot."
Mrs Ward was equally smitten.
"I thought he was very well mannered, a real country boy. I thought he might be the one, and so it turned out."
Three years later, Colin proposed at his 21st birthday party and, later that year, the couple married at Opoho Presbyterian Church, in Dunedin.
"We met in the middle," Mrs Ward joked.
"I could tell he was the right one, because he didn’t go duck-shooting on our wedding weekend."
There they had son Neville and daughter Debbie, who would be joined a few years later by third child, Anne-Marie.
The pair’s six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren added to the brood.
"Family has always been so important to us. It’s truly lovely to be close and connected to them all," Mrs Ward said.
Although life had its ups and downs, shared interests, good communication and "keeping busy" were key to maintaining a successful marriage of 60 years, they said.
"I never believe anyone who says they never argue about anything. But it’s how you approach compromise that’s important. Just sort it, and move on," Mrs Ward said.
Mrs Ward had been involved in local groups and country singing, and Mr Ward in gardening and bird and poultry husbandry.
Despite being retired, life still kept them busy, Mrs Ward said.
"We rely on each other, and each of us has skills that complement the other.
"We’ve been very lucky, but we still have lots of living to do."
