For Lindsey and Mike and Other Newlyweds

Mark and I leave in a few days to attend Lindsey and Mike's wedding. Lindsey is my great niece and all-round terrific person and Mike has to be special (haven't met him yet) because Lindsey loves him.

Thinking about their marriage and life together inspired me to offer them and other newlyweds some words of advice. Why am I qualified? Well, I've been married to the same man for 41 years now, and I totally failed at another marriage that lasted a decade. So, I've seen the good and the bad of it all!

So, here's my advice:

• Joyfully greet each other whenever you can. It makes a person feel special and important.
• Spend a lot of time in body contact. That means hugging, kissing and showing affection. (You get the picture.)
• Communicate what you need from each other. Pick up on the cues of body language, tone of voice and overall demeanor. Lack of communication never works in a marriage.
• Never go to bed unhappy with each other. Make sure you say goodnight in a loving way.
• Silently listen and just be present for each other. Be sure to offer hugs as needed.
• Pick your battles. Compromise is the cornerstone of a relationship. You don't have to be right all the time. Just learn what's important to the other.
• Be loyal, trust each other and always be truthful with each other.
• Compliment each other on your appearance. Show approval whenever possible.
• Make the other feel better about himself/herself when with you.

These aren't all of them, but they are the important ones. And, Lindsey and Mike, if you can't remember these, just watch Sadie (your dog). She demonstrates these qualities daily.

Til Next Time,
Love, Carol