IT'S FRIDAY I'M IN LOVE

"you know i'll never be lonely...you're my only one
and i love the things...i really love the things that you do...you're my best friend"
FLASHBACK june 1, 1957
moniebird and jimmy get hitched. *56 years and 4 children later? still married*
FLASH FORWARD november 14, 1964
bob and lana tie the knot. *48 years and 2 children later? still married*
FLASH FORWARD july 22, 1995
queenie and jj head to vegas. * nearly 18 years and 2 spawn later? still married*
FLASH FORWARD september 4, 2009
the bk and i move in together and begin a VERY committed relationship. *nearly 4 years later? still together*
FLASH FORWARD july 3, 2010
danno and bridgey sneak off to gatlinburg. *3 years and working on the children later? still married*

what's the secret, you ask? it's hard to really say but...i have a few ideas:

1. be best friends. best friends laugh together, confide in each other, and are always there for each other.
2. be kind to one another. even when you're mad. you don't have to fight dirty to get your point across. as jewel says "in the end, only kindness matters"...
3. talk to each other. talk to each other about EVERYTHING. the weather. sports. books. likes. dislikes. differences you're having. happy couples put everything out on the table and work to resolve their differences. 
4. go out on double, even triple, dates. it can't just be about you two, all the time...every time. get out and enjoy the company of other strong, happy couples. 
5. give 80% and expect 20%: a lesson my daddy taught me. it's important, even in relationships that aren't romantic. a good person always gives without expecting anything in return. *trust me. you will know when your partner is not giving 20% and that's when you go back to #3*

april is couples appreciation month. okay. it's a holiday made up by a company that wants you to spend money on spa items for your significant other. but, i say, take this month (every month, really) to appreciate the great couples around you. see what they're doing right and how they are keeping they're relationships strong. 

a gallery of happy couples: