Have you ever known a couple who have a fairy tale romance? A relationship that lets you know happily ever after really does exist? A relationship that gives you faith true love is a reality and not some empty promise our parents gave us?
My Aunt Maxine and Uncle Bill (picnicking in above photo-1954) had that marriage. I say "had" because after 60+ years of wedded bliss my uncle passed on...a very sad day for my aunt and entire family. I grew up spending endless summers with them and am so grateful they were in my life. Wow how blessed I am to have gotten to see true love first hand.
Having a failed marriage myself I sat my aunt down one day and asked her what she felt was the secret to a long, happy and successful relationship. Here's what she had to say:
- Like being together - (makes sense...to be each others best friend)
- Overlook each others faults - (ouch, I wasn't so good here...)
- Patience and understanding - (how patient is patient???)
- Never go to bed mad -( Wow did I suck at this one!)
- Good sense of humor ( right up my alley)
- Supportive - help each other when you're down ( definitely gotta be there for each other)
- LOVE each other - and this is the bottom line - what everything stems from
So, if you're in a reflective state or on your way into a new relationship - think about this simple but sage advice from a woman who was still madly in love with her husband after 60+ years of marriage and feels their time together was not nearly enough to express their love.
A beautiful example for me...I hope it will be for you too.
