I was just visiting with one of my favorite married couples today. Now you need to know that when it comes to influence and persuasion, I take at least 10% credit for their marrying. Because the husband was a confirmed, “I’m never marrying again!” post divorced guy. (very handsome by the way, and yes, remember he is taken).
What are some of the lessons to learn from them and other happily married couples for long term relationship and marriage success?
- Keep It Real
- Get Out of Dodge
Keeping It Real:
One of the differences in marriage versus early dating is that a husband and wife will see each other when they look their worst. When you have the flu. Runny red nose. Worshiping the porcelain god…. And they still love you. Now this is in contrast to those ensembles we were in our early dates. And yes, I agree with Custom Formal wear designer, Vicki Hanson, “that life is fun, dress for it.” And yet there are days and times when a ball gown, full make up, dress pumps, or a gentleman’s evening jacket are not called for. We want a spouse to love us completely, even when we are our most vulnerable looking.
Additionally, we need to remember to
Get Out of Dodge:
At the end of the weekend, the end of the work week, the end of a tough or busy day, for whatever reason, couples need to continue to expand their lives and get out of the house, go out for a drink and practice their body language flirting, wear a broad shoulders accentuating jacket, gentlemen, and where the ladies can dress up a bit, feel special like on an early romantic date. And simply get out of the house.
Indeed, the wooing behavior of early courtship couples is a great long-term success Relationship Success tip for married couples. To nurture their continued cherishing of each other.
So when flu season hits, you still feeling loving, tender, and intimate together.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Mister P says
September 28, 2009 at 2:48 AMGood practical tips to keep the flame!
Bert (alter ego- Mister P)
Lynn Lane says
September 28, 2009 at 4:57 AMI’ve been married for 25 years and I must agree. Keep it real and Get away every chance you have.
Lynn Lane
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
Rob says
September 28, 2009 at 4:36 AMThey’re one of my favorite married couples too!
And getting married by Elvis is another important consideration. Vowing to always be each others hunka hunka burning love forever is sure to lead to marital stability…
Seize the Day,
Rob
Robert Martin says
September 28, 2009 at 6:44 AMI have been married for 16 years, and I couldn’t agree more. Have a date night. Do something special. Treat your spouse like you would a new flame.
Robert Martin
Jose Escalante says
September 28, 2009 at 8:47 AMExcellent advice April
Jose Escalante
Martin says
September 28, 2009 at 2:25 PMBy “Get out of the house”, I assume you mean together?!
And do you know how difficult it is to find a babysitter?!
I’m all for married couples carrying on dating (each other).
Steve Chambers says
September 28, 2009 at 7:18 PMI’d say selection was the number one criteria. You have to pick the right partner. After that both partners need to keep it real and keep it fun.
And thank you, we had a great time too.
Steve Chambers
Business to Business Sales Trainer
Martin O'Connor says
September 28, 2009 at 6:46 PMI think women more than men want to get out of Dodge, whether it’s the house or a city.
April Braswell says
September 28, 2009 at 7:49 PM“Dancing Queen… feel the beat of the tamberine… oh YEAH!” encore, encore!
April Braswell says
September 28, 2009 at 7:52 PMSans judgment. The Get Out of Dodge is a NEWNESS attribute. If we neglect that NEWNESS component in a RELATIONSHIP, married men will look for that then via extra-curricular affairs. So, men DO need NEWNESS as well, just…. logically minded they often do not fully REALIZE it.
thank you so much for stopping by and commenting at my dating and relationship success blog!
April
Kate McKeon says
September 28, 2009 at 9:39 PMVa-va-voom! I wish my parents would take your advice. It helps to reconnect through date night.
Kate
Katie says
September 28, 2009 at 9:50 PMIf you keep up the weekly dates you won’t fall out of practice with the flirting. I hear so many couples sound lackluster about their love life. It doesn’t have to be that way!
Katie
Keri Eagan says
September 29, 2009 at 2:24 AMGreat advice as usual. Body language flirting is fantastic for added spark.
Cheers
Keri Eagan
John Ho says
September 29, 2009 at 2:46 AMApril,
Good, bad & the ulgy are all in full display when you have a full time real realationship.
So selective hearing and selective memeory is highly recommended for life long relationship.
Otherwise, it’s just like caffeine or cocaine fix. The initial utopian feelings just wears off consistently.
John Ho
Vick says
September 29, 2009 at 5:44 AMI can relate to this after 31 years of marriage. Sometimes we let little things that don’t even matter get in the way of keeping a connection. Communication is so vital to keep the flame burning.
Vicki http://www.bridal-threads.com
Jennifer Battaglino says
September 29, 2009 at 10:03 AMBeautiful post. Made me think of my own husband and how you grow closer through the intimacy as well as the hard times because it’s the true test of whether you are going to stick together. When I couldn’t lift my head in the hospital and he was feeding me jello…now that’s love. Ok, enough babbling.
So Ms. Braswell, hope you got my email the other day! 🙂 I will try you again to meet up later in the week. Let me know what’s good for you and I loved your question about tinnitus…it will be in the upcoming blog.
You’re the best!
Jen
The Harwood Center – Tinnitus, Chronic Illness, Fears, and Anxiety
April Braswell says
September 29, 2009 at 4:11 PMHi Jen,
thank you. that was really sweet of you.
Babble away. Because that is really true. I had a related point in my post about Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal’s Real Love of each other:
So when you couldn’t hold your head up and your DH fed you jello YES THAT is Real Love. And the kind we want. With another human being. Imperfect, too. ♥
April
Martin O'Connor says
September 29, 2009 at 3:51 PMThe advice on getting a second and generic e-mail address is sound advice and something that could be overlooked.
Martin O’Connor
Lisa McLellan says
September 29, 2009 at 8:30 PMGreat couple – aren’t they?!!! Perfect match if there ever was one. He’s handsome, she’s gorgeous (and so photogenic), and such nice people too!
My husband and I almost never go out together without the kids. We always take them. We have even taken them out with us on Valentines Day. We need to get out of Dodge – alone!
Lisa McLellan
Child Care Expert,
Babysitting Services, Babysitting Tips, Babysitters, Nannies
Jim says
September 29, 2009 at 8:46 PMNothing like a little vacation, weekly, to keep things good.
Jim
BusinessAndMarketingMakeover.com/blog