Lasting Marriage!

So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

I love seeing older couples who are still so incredibly in love with each other.  Over the last few years (once I hit 50), as the opportunity presents itself, I talk with some of these couples to see what advice they would give to the younger generations (meaning anyone younger then them).  Their counsel was simple, interesting, and often made me laugh.  Here are a few of the nuggets of advice they gave:

1. Put God first.  When you BOTH focus on Him, you have nothing to argue about. 
2. End EVERY conversation with "I Love You" even if you are irritated with them.  You don't know if either of you will be here next time.
3. Before you go into marriage, decide that your marriage is NOT disposable!  And ain't nothin' gonna drive you apart.
4. Laugh together!
5. Celebrate every single day you get to spend together.
6. Get a dog.  That way you have someone to take the blame when you pass gas.
7. Dance together.  Even if you stink at it, dance!  
8. NEVER put children before your spouse.  You have to SHOW the children what marriage is supposed to be.
9. Make sure the teeth you put in your mouth are yours.
10. Always do fun things together.
11. Remind your spouse that they are still attractive to you and that they are your love! (this was from the wife).  "Give her tush a squeeze when she's not expecting it.  She'll squeal and I'll chuckle." (this from the husband)
12. Hug, hold hands, snuggle....touching is AMAZING!
13. Keep your tastes and gifts simple.
14. Hold the door open for each other.
15. Make sure your job does not take the place of your spouse.
16. Ain't no argument worth the cost of your marriage.
17. Drink the same brand of beer.
18. Going to bed angry is just wasteful.  You aren't guaranteed tomorrow, so do you want your last and lasting memory to be the fact you were too stubborn to put your marriage before any disagreement.
19.  Take up a hobby together.
20. ALWAYS support your spouse!

I learned a lot from these couples, many of whom had been married 50 years or more.