Secrets of a 60-Year Diamond Wedding Anniversary

Recently my wife and I attended the diamond wedding anniversary for a cousin and her husband.  As we were driving home, I began thinking about what it takes to reach 60-years of marriage.

As I thought of my cousin, plus other couples I’ve known who also have celebrated years of marriage, I concluded the secret is experiencing a deep daily commitment, mutual patience, and forgiveness.

Couples who stay together for decades appear to share the following habits:

• Never stay angry. Long-married couples know that arguments happen but giving the other person time to cool down stops small disagreements from turning into major incidents.

• Practice forgiveness. Nobody is perfect.  Reaching 60 years means choosing to let go of mistakes and starting fresh each day.

• Choose “ours” over “mine”. Shifting from an attitude of personal entitlement to shared life builds a strong, lasting bond.

• Be a good listener. Paying close attention when your partner speaks instead of just waiting for your turn to talk.

• Value small kindnesses. Daily, simple gestures and regular appreciation matter more than rare, grand gestures.

• Don’t try to change each other. Accept your partner for who they are and focus on growing side-by-side as life changes.

Question:

What have you found to be secrets to a long, lasting marriage?