My husband's grandparents were married over 60 years. Being a newlywed, I asked Grandma what the secret to her happy marriage was. She said the secret is both people knowing that it can't always be YOUR way. What an eye-opener for me. Such simple advice that covers a whole lot of stuff. This cherished advice has served us well...My husband and I just celebrated our 24th anniversary and we are more in love today than the day we married.
Also, we work at our marriage every day. My husband's a police officer and I never let him go to work without a kiss and an "I love you". I don't hassle him about "home stuff" when he's at work so he can focus on his job. When we fight, it's a fair fight with no name calling or bringing up past issues, and it's with the intention of coming to an understanding, not to win. We speak kindly and lovingly to each other even when we don't feel kind and loving.
My husband lives by his motto, "Loyalty above all else except integrity" and he lives it in our marriage every day. We trust each other completely. We are both from broken homes and agreed to not do that to our children or ourselves! We do thoughtful things for each other every day, even if it's just him helping me get a glass down from the highest shelf in the kitchen or opening a jar. Seems small, I know, but every little kind action counts in this house.
Thank you, Dr. Laura, for all you do...if more women took your advice about how to take care of their husband, there'd be a lot more happy wives out there!
Terri
