Do you know anyone that has the real deal – the fairy tale romance we all dream of? A couple that lets you know happily ever after really does exist? A relationship that gives you faith true love is possible and not some empty promise our parents fed us?
I was blessed to be around such an extraordinary relationship – right within my own family. Yes, my Aunt Maxine and Uncle Bill (picnicking in 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 ( good reminder that it’s about “us” and not “me”)
- 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.