After You Say I Do: Readers Advice for Staying In Love

by Lesley Logan

Lifelong partnership has been around since the dawn of time. Countless married couples have been marked throughout the course of history as holders of the most esteemed of institutions. Whether your wedding was in the spring or the fall, it is the time afterward that is most important to celebrate. It is not easy staying in love for decades on end, but several couples advised as to what works for them. They let the audience know what has kept their passion alive and what keeps their marriage as strong as the day they said, “I Do.”

To kick off the words of advice, we did a survey on tips from couples married 5 years to 25 years, who say their love has stood the test of time because they asked themselves would I do it again and smiled and said absolutely. Readers suggested, it’s important to start each morning appreciating each other and how date night is so important. It never stops after you get married. Going on small outings and spending time with each other never goes out of style.

In the collection of advice, it is stated that taking breaks from work and the kids is equally as important as catching up with your loved one. While you are catching up, taking time to clear any grudges or problems you are both arguing about is vital. There is no going to bed angry when you want a healthy and long-lasting marriage. Overall, you never want to stop making your relationship better; find common ground and always negotiate any disagreements.

Also, one couple pointed out that marriage is a gift from God. God wanted married couples to stay together forever and not end up in divorce. “13. Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has par- doned you because you should act in kind. 14. But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together. (Colossians 3:13-14. Bible)

The most important recommendation that was given was of course the simplest one. You never want to allow your partner to question whether you love them or not. We can all become content in who we are, where we are, and who we are with but it’s important to never allow the depth of your love to falter with your better half. This is of course enhanced by communicating with them and figuring out what their needs are. Falling in love is the easy part, staying in love is where the real work comes in.