Six Steps to a Successful Marriage-Keeping It Together

     Last Friday an office colleague celebrated his 32^nd (!) anniversary.  As a professional who spends most of my time listening to the myriad of reasons why couples split up, I thought, why not ask him the secrets to a long term marriage.  So he was kind enough to give me this brief, but oh so important list. I’ve listed these six simple steps below:

                Number 1:          Have open, honest discussions

                Number 2:          Show a willingness to learn/share the other’s interests

                Number 3:          Support your partner’s goals and profession

                Number 4:         Share involvement with both families

                Number 5:          Work to maintain and support each other’s physical and mental well being.

                Number 6:          Always respect each other’s differences of opinions

                                These are steps Bruce and Jim have used to keep their marriage alive.  Yes, Bruce and Jim are a gay couple who, although not “married” according to the laws of the state of Florida, are clearly far more committed to an enduring relationship than the heterosexual couples who come into my office every day. These couples, usually, have far fewer years together, and are willing to call it quits for far more reasons than those that keep Bruce and Jim together.   Another colleague said Bruce should have added a 7^th reason they stay together….no children!  Although those of us in the room blessed with offspring laughed and acknowledged that kids can be a challenge to any relationship, for those who have children, this should be added as another reason to strengthen a marriage.  Surely Bruce and Jim faced challenges that evade heterosexual couples, especially 32 years ago, but they obviously used those challenges to bolster their commitment.  We all know the old adage, that “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” 

     So, before you call it quits and end up in my office or the office of one of my colleagues’, look over the six (or seven, if you have kids) steps to success that Bruce gave me.   If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, mutual respect and understanding between partners keeps the divorce lawyer away.

Cindy S. Vova

The Law Offfice of Cindy S. Vova, P.A.

8551 West Sunrise Boulevard, Suite 301

Plantation, FL 33322

954.316.3496

info@vovalaw.com