My grandparents met in 1967 when my grandmother's cousin set her up with his best friend. After dating for about 3 years my grandpa went to my grandma's father to ask for her hand in marriage. To his surprise, her father said no because she was only 18, so less than a month after she turned 19 they got married. For the next 50 years, they built their life together, they had two beautiful daughters and six wonderful grandchildren. My grandparents have always been my inspiration, I have never seen them fight or argue about anything. Today, I am constantly hearing about couples fighting and getting divorced. It's sad to think about how common it is nowadays, but looking at couples like my grandparents gives me hope. After 50 years of marriage they are still crazy about each other, how do they do it? Well, I decided to ask them, so here are 10 secrets to a long, loving, happy marriage.

1. Learn your partners "love language"

There is a book called "The Five Love Languages: The Secret To Love That Lasts" by Gary Chapman. The book helps you find the best ways to communicate with your partner.

2. Ignore small annoyances

Don't let the little things bother you. Next time you find yourself annoyed by something small ask yourself "Is this worth fighting over? Am I overreacting?"

3. Don't be demanding

They're your partner, not your servant treat them as such.

4. Unreasonable expectations

Don't place unreasonable expectations on each other, we're only human and we're doing the best we can. Remember, the guys from the movies don't actually exist. Don't expect your partner to live up to fictional characters.

5. Realize how important your partner is

Your partner should be one of your top priorities. I'm not saying your whole life has to be about them, but if you're going to spend the rest of your life with them they should be playing a significant part in your life.

6. Open communication

Communication is often taken for granted, but it is so important. When you're in a conflict with your partner try to avoid accusing them and try having an open mature conversation.

7. Don't dwell on the shortcomings

8. Forgiveness

No relationship is perfect, you're going to hurt each other, but it's important not to hold grudges. It's inevitable that at some point you're going to get your feelings hurt, but you can't hold onto the small things or take them to heart.

9. It's a learning process

You can watch all the movies or read all the books you want, but you will never be prepared for every relationship. Every relationship is different and should be treated that way. You shouldn't go into a relationship with the same mindset as the last one you were in; you should go in with a blank slate so you and your partner can learn and grow together.

10. Most importantly, put God first

God should be your first priority. If your relationship with your partner gets in the way of your relationship with God then you need to re-evaluate your priorities. God shouldn't only be a part of your relationship on Sundays when you go to church, he should BE the relationship, every part of it. A relationship that exists for God will be the one that will last 50+ years.