Try new things

"There has to be compromise. Its not always going to be good. Life is hard. The things that you fall in love with about them will be the things that drive you crazy later. Go on a date once a week and do different things so you don't start to get resentful of each other. It keeps the relationship fresh and exciting like when you were boyfriend and girlfriend."

-Carol, married 29 years

Humor

"The key is Humor. Have alot of humor and never get nasty with each other or take each other to seriously."

-Martha, Married 60 years

There is no secret

"There is no real secret. Its all about communication and just talking to each other."

Cindy, Married 42 years

Avoid Striving for Perfection

"Things weren't always perfect, they aren't always going to be perfect, in fact most of the time they are not. Young people now days expect that things are always and should always be perfect, and its impossible."

-Ruth, Married 60 years before her husband passed

"Yes dear"

I learned long ago to just say "yes dear."

Barry, married 43 years

Don't get ruffled

"My husband is kind of a crabby grumpy guy. I don't let the things that he says bother me. When he is being ornery and giving me a hard time I don't let it get to me I just tell him to shut up."

Kristy, married 13 years

Go with the flow

The secret is:

"For me it was learning to go with the flow. You have to be adaptable to change. Plans change, circumstances change, people change; you have to be able to relax and go with the flow as things come."

Brian, married 16 years

Accept them as-is

The secret:

DON'T TRY TO CHANGE YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

People may change on their own, but if you try to make them they will resist and resent you for it. Accept your love regardless of their flaws. If it is somthing you cannot accept or live with then you should not be with the person.

Dema, married 20+ years

Laughter

The secret to a long and happy marriage is:

LAUGHTER

“The only thing you can’t laugh at is death,” Shirleys aunt told her after being married for 75 years. Now, after being married for 54 years herself she can attest to this truth. Trials and hardships are going to come your way, but if you can laugh with each other you can make it through anything.

-Shirley

 Married 54 years