25 years ago I said “I Do” to my soulmate for life. We have been through a lot together, I have experienced the happiest moments in my life with this man, and some of the saddest, birthed 2 children, traveled around the world, ran 4 marathons, 1 triathlon, biked around the big island of Hawaii, baked more brownies than I care to remember, raised a few furry children, got involved in a pyramid scheme, made money , lost money, turned vegan and shared lots of laughs together.
As I reflect on the past 25 years, I thought about why am I still crazy about this man? I came up with my list of 25 tips for a happy marriage. I’m not an expert, but these are things that have worked for us.
Not in any particular order:
#1. FORGIVE and FORGET.
# 2. Live YOUR version of a “Love Story”.
# 3. Love yourself, but don’t be Selfish.
# 4. Make your OWN family traditions…Love your extended families, but establish a few rituals of your own.
# 5. Evolve and “be a creature like no other” embrace your own changes as well as your partner’s- being stagnant is not interesting or attractive.
# 6. Prepare “real” food with all your heart and soul. There is something sensuous about preparing food for your lover.
# 7. Always DATE- It is easy to get into a rut, but make it happen, get a sitter, do whatever you have to do in order to spend time as a couple.
# 8. Commit to the journey, the ride may will get rocky, but HOLD ON!!!
# 9. Have FAITH and BELIEVE in something.
# 10. Nurture your family ie. your children, but don’t forget each other.
# 11. Work at your marriage and the magic will happen- No Work No Magic.
# 12. Prioritize – What is really important? Don’t get it twisted…
# 13. Remember ROMANCE CAN LAST…don’t pay attention to the cynics, non-believers and those that are bitter.
# 14. Indulge each other in WHATEVER -at least sometimes.
# 15. Celebrate each other…birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s or just because.
#16. Be in “touch” and communicate-be available for one another-don’t be elusive- and TOUCH each other…
#17. LISTEN, LISTEN & LISTEN and THINK, THINK & THINK and then SPEAK SPEAK & SPEAK…
# 18. Travel near and far, especially places where you don’t speak the language, get out and explore this world we live in.
#19. Make your house a home- create a comforting space that you both look forward to.
# 20. Be desirable for each other- be the best version of “you”, look pretty, smell fresh, take care of your body, groom yourself, wear pretty lingerie or not…
# 21. CARE for each other…Be there when your mate is down, physically, mentally, financially…just be there.
# 22. Learn to savor moments–the older I get, the more I know that tomorrow is not promised.
# 23. Don’t let things get old and tired–literally and figuratively — you are in control.
# 24. Laugh, Laugh and LAUGH–Don’t be so serious.
# 25. Eat Love, Drink Love, Live Love, and most of all MAKE LOVE!
Here is a behind the scene video of my anniversary photo shoot that my talented son surprised me with…
As I celebrate my Silver Anniversary–I wish all you much love…
XOXO.
Gigi