It’s fair to say that 15 years of marriage is a small feat when compared to a couple that has devoted 58 years of life to each other. In fact, it’s exactly 15,695 days less of a feat. However, 8 years is my longest run so far and I remember how very difficult some of those days were for me. Therefore, I know to show respect for any relationship that spans the sands of time.
Couples that I wish to celebrate have one criteria in common: when together, their energy feels warm and inviting. Who hasn’t felt cringy when around duos who banter with an uncomfortable, underlying tone? Respect breeds respect and happiness does the same, and so, we will spend our time focusing on what lifts our vibe.
Back in once upon a time, time…before smart phones and dating apps, there were actual brick and mortar businesses that measured their success by the number of victorious dates they provided to their customers. (It could be argued that if these companies were 100% triumphant in their endeavors, their clients would no longer need to utilize them.) Computers were new and progressing. The way I understand the process, clients answered detailed questions about their likes & dislikes. This information was inputted into a dating algorithm that matched up likely partners. Conversely, I have a friend who worked at such an establishment back in the day. She claims there were actual live humans playing cupid behind the scenes. Love with all its randomness has proven to me that the probability of a relationship remaining successful is the same whether it began by a seemingly perfect formula or the process of plucking two profile cards blindly from a deck.
My brother (who depressingly says hard copy books have a literal shelf life) was post divorce with two daughters, working full time and then some. Neither he or his wife of 15 years can remember the name of the dating agency that brought them together, but they both recall that they were on the verge of cancelling their contracts after many failed dates, courtesy of the company. Both were talked into attempting one last rendezvous by a sales representative who must have been backed by divine intervention. Rich & Anita were able to halt their monthly service fees, but for all of the right reasons.
There are more pictures circulating that prove my bro and his wife hosted one of the most epic, open bar wedding receptions, but this pic kept my love for White Russians on the down low. Their marriage has a healthy amount of humor with another large dose of traveling. Shared goals unite individuals and I believe their frequent trips together are the perfect example.
Rich & Anita make my family holiday gatherings more fun to attend and not because they are the only ones that will share in my appreciation of a glass (or two) of wine. When communicating with these lovebirds, I notice they have a nice balance: equal parts talking and listening. I look forward to sharing more great conversations and laughs with this couple as they create mas dias de amor.