The Secret to a Long Marriage (Is It Two Blankets?)
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day. If you walk into any store right now, you are bombarded with red hearts, expensive chocolates, and cards that say, “You are my soulmate.”
That is the Hollywood version of love.
But those of us who have been married for 30, 40, or 50+ years know the real version.
Real love isn’t just candlelight dinners. Real love is:
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Not saying “I told you so” when he gets lost driving (even though you absolutely told him so).
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Pretending to be asleep when the dog needs to go out at 3:00 AM.
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Agreeing on what to watch on TV (or at least, agreeing on who holds the remote).
I asked a friend recently what the secret was to his 50-year marriage. He didn’t say “romance” or “passion.” He said: “Two separate blankets on the bed.” (He might be on to something there—no more fighting over the duvet cover at 2:00 AM!)
Jokes aside, staying together for decades takes work. It takes patience, a lot of forgiveness, and a sense of humour. It means showing up for each other, not just on the sunny days, but on the stormy ones too.
Whether you are celebrating with a spouse, remembering a partner who has passed, or enjoying the freedom of being single, we wish you a happy Valentine’s week.
Personal note: For Marilyn and I it’s only been a little over 53 years so we’re still figuring out what works. Maybe we’re just slow learners. 🙄
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