In today’s world finding couples that have been married 50 years is very rare. One of the reasons for that is because couples break their marriage vows. They have a fight and then they are ready to throw in the towel. They say that they have fallen out of love and then they proceed to divorce court. They cite so many reasons for not staying together so instead of fighting for their marriage, they simply seek to end it.
Its always refreshing to read about a couple’s long marriage. That is what Hannah Fletcher writes about in The Times [London]:
“Frank and Anita Milford, aged 101 and 100 respectively, celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary yesterday. The couple married in 1928 after meeting at a YMCA dance in Plymouth, where they still live. In eight months’ time, they will beat the record of 81 years and 260 days for the longest British marriage.”
After 81 years together, they have some tried and true advise for married couples:
“They say that they still have daily squabbles. “Not big rows, just the odd cross word,” Mrs Milford said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s healthy.”
However, as well as a little argument, “a little romance” is also essential. “It’s our golden rule,” Mrs Milford said. “Couples these days don’t last long because they often don’t take enough time for each other. There isn’t enough respect — love is about give and take. Our advice to young couples would be to make time for a little romance every day.””
Mr. Frank Milford lays out advise for the husbands, “to win over your sweetheart you need a dose of old-fashioned chivalry and don’t let your standards slip.”
Congratulations to The Milfords. And congratulations to all the couples that have made it through the storms and the years. Keep persevering!
