I’m not one to talk about marriage, having survived that experience for only some thirteen years (which includes two years’ prior involvement to marriage). Me a tender 18, he a reasonable 24y.o. We thought we knew it all. I certainly now know what I’d do differently, if the time were given back to me; we’d still be together. It is interesting ‘though that one of his Belgian ancestors wrote a tome on The Art of Marriage (van de Velde), but, his family did not give us a copy….extraordinary!
I found this little Pocket Inspiration within an old wallet within an old much-loved Indian handbag I’ve had for years, and I recall buying it to give me some clues on the matter, just in case it happened again, which it hasn’t, unfortnately!
I’m in the throes of having a massive clearout in my apartment, much-needed after being here for some nearly eleven years. I thought I’d share what it says. Does any of it ring true for those of you who are in long term relationships, and those not necessarily within legal marriage but a marriage in spirit, perhaps? Enjoy!
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A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things…
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you”, at least once each day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives:
It is standing together to face the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers-in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is in giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
It is being the right partner.
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Haigh’s chocolates — © 2008-2012 jmnowak, all rights reserved
PS: Haigh’s Chocolates is one of Melbourne’s renowned chocolatiers and have been in the biz for a very long time. Valentine’s Day soon….. 
That’s a great list to live up to, Janina! That’s a great image, with the couple in step together… And with chocolates, I’d say they can’t go wrong. I remember chocolates from a Haigh’s store in Adelaide in 2010. They were really good!
As a final point, I’ll leave you with a comment I read online somewhere: “Research clearly shows that all those who have recently divorced, were previously married.”