A Collection of Invaluable Marriage Advice

This just may be my favorite blog post that I've ever written. Like, ever. Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of interviewing some of the most wonderful married couples and collecting their best advice for newlywed couples. They've made me laugh, made me tear up, but mostly filled my heart with so much joy. So without further ado, let me share all of my favorite gems with you.

Heather & Luther

Married: 1 month

Met: In San Diego while both serving in the US Navy. Luther's best friend is Heather's brother.

Best advice: "If you love someone don't give up on each other, and continue to pour love into each other even when your world is spinning - you really bind in the hard times."

Giulia & Jorge

Married: 1 year

Met: In a restaurant called, "American House" in Sakuragicho, Yokohama, Japan. Giulia was Jorge's waitress in 2015.

Best advice: "Keep the relationship full of passion and fun and enjoy simple things like cooking together with music playing." - Jorge. "Of course to enjoy simple things and talk; don't lose the habit of talking. Talking about how the day was, what you did at work, what [does] the other person think about this or that". - Giulia

Sean & Tim -

Married: 3 years

Met: Aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard while serving in the US Navy in Sasebo, Japan

Best advice: "Whether you're engaged or newlywed it's important to be honest with [one] another about everything. Be willing to communicate, and sit down and have the tough conversations if they arise. And lastly, don't let society or anyone else determine what your relationship/marriage should be like. These days it's so easy to buy into what is a 'social norm' or trending, but I think the key to a solid foundation for a marriage is finding out what really makes you vibe and never losing sight of that...And make sure you have awesome sex!"

Hilary & Matt

Married: 7 years

Met: At a Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock concert in 2008

Best advice: "I think every couple is different and marriage is hard work. What worked for me might not work for someone else. Do the work and keep on trucking."

Aubrey & Ray

Married: 8 years

Met: On Memorial Day, 17 years ago on a blind date down the Jersey Shore

Best advice: "Be prepared for daily change within yourselves and as a couple. Be prepared to work hard to maintain your marriage and don't give up. It's hard to change as a person and as a couple so be there for each other always."

Kira & Marc

Married: 14 years

Met: On a bus that Marc was driving to a summer camp; Kira was a counselor on board

Best advice: "Don't expect your spouse to be your only source of happiness."

Candy & Mark

Married: 20 years

Met: In 1986 while working together for Childhaven in Seattle

Best advice: "Marry your best friend and keep that friendship strong. I always say I love my husband AND I like him a lot too!"

Mike & Peggy

Married: Originally married 32 years ago. After 12 years apart, they remarried each other for the second time 4 years ago.

Met: At a mutual friend's graduation party

Best advice: "Communication is so important - and it's ok to be upset as long as you talk it through."

Hal & Harriett

Married: 62 years

Met: Through a mutual friend - Hal's college roommate.

Best advice: "We decided a long time ago we wouldn't give anyone our secret, but I will tell you some pretty good advice from my father. Marriage is not 50/50. It's 25/75 and both partners have to be putting in the 75."

Bob & Joyce

Married: 63 years

Met: Set up by a mutual friend at UPS

Best advice: "You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive, E-lim-i-nate the negative, And latch on to the affirmative. Those are Bing Crosby lyrics, but always accentuate the positive."