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."