INTERGENERATIONAL exchanges of advice foster a sense of community and connection — older women have a wealth of life experience that can benefit their younger sisters. Sharing this wisdom can provide guidance on navigating challenges and making informed decisions — advice from older women can serve as a form of mentorship, helping other women develop skills, confidence and a sense of direction.

As we enter week two of this January filled with possibilities, this week we share advice from the wise — knowledge transfer, support and encouragement from the women who have been through and experienced it all, with valuable lessons that can help younger women on their journey this year.

On relationships

“Watch out for red flags with men, they’re the universe’s way of warning you. If there are red flags early in your relationship, like lying, cheating and evading, don’t ignore them. They won’t go away and you are just heading for heartbreak later.” — Bev, 60, retired teacher

“You know that saying, ‘there are lots of fish in the sea’? It’s correct. Men are plentiful, nuff man deh bout, so don’t settle for any man who isn’t right for you.” — Alison, 70, retired postmistress

On self-love

“Appreciate, love, and accept your body when you’re young, no matter your size, or the flaws. When you get older you’ll look back at those pictures and remember how good you looked, and wonder what you were so worried about.” — Joy, 55, hairdresser

“Once you love yourself, no one can make you feel bad. Also, the media is evil. Social media is evil. Stop basing your beauty standards on Photoshopped images.” — Rita, 52, banker

On parenting

“Don’t do it if you’re not sure! Don’t have nuh pickney! Think very, very hard about having children. Anticipate the worst — illnesses, disabilities, braces, will you be able to handle that? Can you afford it? Don’t have children because it is what is expected of you, or because your partner wants them. If you’re not able to parent alone, in the event anything happens, rethink motherhood.” — Evelyn, 62, housewife and grocery shop owner

“Being a mommy changes everything about you — you no longer exist as your own person, you’re merely someone’s mother. All the dreams and plans you had for yourself become secondary. Everything you do from that point on will revolve around those children. And many times dem nuh have no manners on top of it! There are many fantastic things about being a parent, but there are many awful things too, and you have to be able to handle them, so you don’t screw your children up for life and give them trauma to go loud you up about on Tik Tok.” — Charmaine, 51, nurse

On marriage

“Pick that man well. Choose well. Marry well. Marry a good, godly man. Be as picky about your husband as you are about your shoes. Sure, divorce is an option, and it’s now trendy, but having that stain on your past with the wrong man will be there always, like a bad omen.” — Ruth, 63, retired educator