…marriage often improves over time.  Through the marriage enrichment ministry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, we meet lots of couples, some who have been married for five months, others for five decades.  The couples whose relationships have survived and thrived over 30 and 40 years often find themselves living in a sweet spot in their conjoined lives. This would include Nancy and me as we head into our 39th year together.

Here’s a nice little article from Huff Post entitled “7 Signs Your Long-Term Marriage Is Even Stronger Now Than It Was On Your Honeymoon.”  Sit down with your spouse, grab a couple of beverages and go through the list, see how many are true for you.  And don’t miss the slide show at the bottom in which readers share their secrets to long, happy marriages.  The old adage that “keeping score raises the score” may be true for selling life insurance, but it is definitely NOT true when it comes to marriage.

If you’ve only been married for a few years, or even a few months, relax.  Read some John Gottman.  Buy the book “Crucial Conversations.”  Take on Art and Laraine Bennett.  Contrary to popular belief, there are a few good instruction manuals out there for being happily married.  As we’ve said here before, successful marriage is not about finding the right person.  It’s about being the right person.

Happy Easter, everyone.