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Secrets of love

Valentine’s Day devoted to those who are devoted to each other

PEYTON NEELY The Marietta Times Mabel, 89, and Donald Bennett, 94, spend time together at their home in Lower Salem on Monday afternoon.

For many married couples, falling in love and saying “I do” is the easy part. Living happily ever after is what takes hard work. But some longtime local couples say if you find the right partner, it all falls into place.

“We never go to bed at night without telling each other good night and I love you,” said Donald Bennett, 94, of Lower Salem. “We’ve had a very happy life. I try to do anything I can for her and we’ve just kind of looked out for one another all these years.”

Bennett has been married to his wife Mabel, 89, for 70 years. They met after Donald came back to the United States after the end of World War II.

“We communicate and talk about everything,” said Mabel. “Not once have I ever thought about leaving him over the time of our marriage and I guess he hasn’t either.”

Mabel said anytime Donald has done something she didn’t like, she’d tell him and then they’d just forget about it.

“If you’re paired together then stay together,” said Mabel.

Mabel and Donald have four children together as well as five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

“We have a love for each other where we never want to ever hurt one another,” said Donald. “We always agree on everything, talk everything out and decide on things together.”

Adryanne Garrett, 33, and her husband Brandon, 34, of Little Hocking, have been married for 11 years and have a 4-year-old daughter together.

“We met in high school. I was a sophomore and he was a senior,” said Adryanne. “It was pretty typical high school love, but then college and distance apart was hard but we persevered.”

Adryanne said the best advice on marriage came to her on a wedding card.

“It read ‘team work. It’s the only way,'” she said. “To this day, we are an awesome team. You have to work together, equally. No one is in charge, you are a team. Just like a team must communicate, so must you with your spouse.”

Brandon said their entire relationship has been nothing but teamwork.

“My aunt and uncle shared their advice on team work when we got married and it was the best advice I’ve received and the best advice that I can share,” he said.

Tom, 49, and Michelle Brown, 49, of Williamstown, have been married for 30 years. They said they have based their marriage around their relationship with God.

“We always discuss the issue at hand when there is one,” said Michelle. “We get each other’s thoughts on the matter and then we pray for the right direction to go.”

Tom said having God as the foundation has kept them happy together for so many years.

“To be respectful to each other and treat your spouse as you’d like to be treated is important,” he said. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, keep depositing into the marriage account to prepare for when there are withdrawals.”

James Mulinex 55, and his wife Carol, 49, of Belpre, both agreed that strong faith and communication skills keep a marriage healthy.

“Communication is everything,” said Carol. “We talk everything out and work together to support one another.”

James said falling in love with your best friend helps.

“We started as best friends so we had a good foundation,” said James. “We always compliment each other and never say anything we can’t take back, even in an argument.”

James also mentioned not to forget anniversaries.

“Always remember your anniversaries and make a big deal out of them because they are a big deal,” he said. “Not meaning expensive gifts so much the day. It should be celebrated because marriage is work but worth it.”

Traci Weber, 45, and Ed, 50, of Williamstown just celebrated 22 years of marriage together this month.

“We always talk things out, even during the hard times and difficult problems,” said Ed. “We are still best friends. And we tell each other I love you and appreciate you.”

Traci said their friendship is the biggest part of their marriage.

“We communicate our feelings very well, so nothing is left unsaid and we respect each other and have common goals and beliefs,” she said. “We laugh. There’s lots of laughter, no one makes me laugh like Ed.”

After eight years of marriage, Lacey Thompson, 29, of Marietta, said her husband Jeremy, 35, still gives her butterflies.

“The first thing you have to do is to always hold her hand,” said Jeremy. “You must show her how important she is. Be her best friend, tell her you’re proud of her and be there when she needs you.”

Lacey said they are each other’s best friend.

“We trust each other and push each other to reach our goals,” she said. “We have our bad says as does every couple but at the end of every day, we love each other a little more.”

Valentine’s Day ideas

¯ Home-cooked meal.

¯ Spending uninterrupted time together.

¯ Booking a hotel room.

¯ Champagne and chocolate.

¯ Dinner and a movie.

Source: Cosmopolitan.com

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