Post 50fiftymarriage after 50life handbook

Long-Term Couples Reveal How They've Made Marriage Work

Long-Term Couples Reveal How They've Made Marriage Work
Rahel Gebreyes
|

With the prevalence of divorce, long-lasting matrimony can seem like a small miracle.

Fran and Bill Condaxis are a testament to those who believe in making that lifelong commitment. The couple joined HuffPost Live to discuss how they've made their marriage work for 62 years.

"Yes, we've had to make sacrifices, but they were very small compared to the joy of being together and all the wonderful things we have done together," Fran said.

The couple told host Nancy Redd they've never once considered ending the marriage.

"We were just meant for each other. We were very fortunate I guess, but we had to work to keep it together many times," Fran said.

Charles Morin and Rona Berry, who have been married for 19 years, had "doubts" about their marriage on multiple occasions, but they managed to pull through. Although grappling with Berry's chronic pain issues "affected the relationship," they remembered that they vowed to be together in both sickness and health.

"There's been plenty of times where we would both look at each other and say our vows again because as I've gotten older, my health has been affected by [the chronic pain]. But the one constant is the love of my husband," Berry said. Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation about long-lasting marriage here.

Sign up here for Live Today, HuffPost Live's new morning email that will let you know the newsmakers, celebrities and politicians joining us that day and give you the best clips from the day before!

Before You Go

How To Make Your Marriage Last
Continue With The Excitement (01 of08)
Open Image Modal
The wedding may be over and done with, but this doesn't mean the excitement shouldn't continue. Take turns devising a trip or planning a special occasion like an anniversary. "Remember, you don’t have to wait for a special event to have some excitement. Try taking a last-minute overnight road trip or simply try a new restaurant," says divorce attorney Bruce Provda. (credit:Blend Images - Jade via Getty Images)
Stop Trying To Change Your Partner (02 of08)
Open Image Modal
Don’t believe you’ll be able to change a person or even get them to act more like you just because you’re married, Provda says. "Accept the fact that your spouse’s background and life choices have created them to be a different person from you even if your belief systems are in sync." Instead of trying to mould someone into your idea of the “perfect” person, remind yourself about his or her differences. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)
Get Your PDA On(03 of08)
Open Image Modal
Your love for your spouse shouldn’t be a mystery, so make sure to get in some public displays of affection when you can. Hold hands if you're walking through the mall or exchange a casual kiss after dinner. "Showing affection affirms the connection between you and your partner," Provda says. (credit:Digital Vision. via Getty Images)
Don't Be Afraid To Fight (04 of08)
Open Image Modal
Avoiding conflict won’t help build the relationship, in fact it will just add stress, Provda says. "While you can’t be scared to express tension or face confrontation, never say anything intentionally mean or intended to hurt the other person." (credit:BestPics via Getty Images)
Don't Be Distant When Things Get Crummy (05 of08)
Open Image Modal
Being aloof can imply a level of deceit. "If you believe you have to shield part of yourself from your partner in order to be appealing, you’re actually creating low-level tensions that only work to erode the bond and your attraction for each other," Provda says. And yes, it may sound cliché, but honesty is the best policy. (credit:Daniel Laflor via Getty Images)
Remember, You're In It Together (06 of08)
Open Image Modal
Make sure you share the important things, Provda says. "Marriage isn’t a 50-50 proposition. It is a 100-100 deal that brings a true depth of relationship through a depth of knowledge." If you're having a bad day, talk it out, and if something is bothering you about finances, the children or extended family members, make sure both of you can talk it out. "Doing so consistently will help build a connection that gets more complex and deeper as you go through life." (credit:Confluence Pictures via Getty Images)
Doubts Can Happen (07 of08)
Open Image Modal
After the surge of romance and honeymoon phase wears off, it’s time to understand reality will set in. "It may be time to reassess where you, as a couple are, and what you are willing to do to make the marriage work. Then you have the choice to readjust the relationship or walk away." Staying in a unhappy and unhealthy marriage is never beneficial to either person, but giving up is just taking the easy way out. (credit:lisafx via Getty Images)
Remember Why You Said 'Yes' In The First Place (08 of08)
Open Image Modal
Sure, it sounds old school, but marriage really is about understanding your partner’s needs, Provda says. "You have to be willing to offer what the other person in the relationship needs in order to get their needs fulfilled," he says — and this should work both ways! (credit:Blend Images - Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip