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Heartwings Love Notes 996 - Secrets of a Happy Relationship

Heartwings says, "Sharing is caring and love prevails with truth."

On Wednesday August 18, Stephen and I marked 44 years since the day we met. It's hard to believe that that much time has passed since then; we were nearly half a century younger. On our first date we discovered that we had almost met when we were both in the same place at the same time but had not been introduced. As luck would have it, Stephen and my late former husband were both working for the same firm, and John had taken me to the office that day. I had made an impression; Stephen remembered the dress I had worn.

Some thirteen years later, I had parted company with John and gone to work. Oddly, Stephen and I were both working for the same person, yet had not met. One day she introduced us. It was quickly clear that we liked one another's company. However, I felt it was important to stress some things before we spent much time together. These were simple rules I believed were important for a successful relationship—and still do. First and foremost was that we must always be as honest as possible with one another, even if we were afraid the other person might not like what we had to say.

This has helped us to live harmoniously. Another important aspect of our relationship is a willingness to be flexible and to try new things together. Sometimes we have had to agree to disagree. Still, we have tried to be open and adventurous. Respect for one another's preferences has been another facet in our relationship. We have much in common and some big differences—Stephen grew up eating raw fish, something I cannot do. However, there is much else that we share, including a strong desire to learn and grow.

Moreover, our common goals have been vital to the longevity of our time together. Many have wondered how we could live comfortably with one another in close quarters. A combination of giving one another space and being tolerant has made all the difference. It is easier to be tolerant when one is as in love as we are, and we are even more so after the many years we have passed together. I read once that the faults of the beloved are seen as mere foibles to the lover. When couples treat one another with respect and keep small difficulties from growing into big ones by being honest, harmony and happiness invariably prevail.

May you live happily with those you love as long as you live.

Got any easy recipes to share? Food stories to tell? I so appreciate your comments and thoughts. Please write to me at tashahal@aol.com, and for more love notes, check out www.heartwingsandfriends.com. Thanks!
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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