Swoon
30 Marriage Lessons From My Parents On Their 30th Anniversary
What is the secret to a lasting relationship? To "remember that the person that will be there through it all is your spouse. They are your best friend."
22 November 2020
2936
Jackie White
After my parents' 30th anniversary this October, I began to reflect on the importance that their relationship has had in my life. I became appreciative of the wisdom they have shared with me throughout the years and thought it would be selfish to keep that wisdom to myself!
That being said, I decided to interview my Mom and Dad about what the secret to a lasting relationship is. Here are some pieces of advice from the mouths of my parents themselves:
<p><div class="powrload_9edb92"></div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem1" data-id="1" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/1-marriage-is-two-imperfect-people-forgiving-each-other-every-single-day" data-basename="1-marriage-is-two-imperfect-people-forgiving-each-other-every-single-day" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
1. Marriage is two imperfect people forgiving each other every single day.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem2" data-id="2" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/2-dont-sweat-the-small-stuff" data-basename="2-dont-sweat-the-small-stuff" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
2. Don't sweat the small stuff.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem3" data-id="3" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/3-have-a-shared-set-of-beliefs-and-values" data-basename="3-have-a-shared-set-of-beliefs-and-values" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
3. Have a shared set of beliefs and values.
</h2>
</div>
<div id="div-gpt-2648969343-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
if(isFeed1x1){
isFeed1x1=false;
googletag.cmd.push(function() {
googletag.defineSlot(window._sectionAndPostAdSettings+'/feed_1x1', [1, 1], 'div-gpt-2648969343-content-ad').addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices()
googletag.display('div-gpt-2648969343-content-ad');
});
}
</script>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem4" data-id="4" data-reload-ads="true" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/4-pray-together-daily" data-basename="4-pray-together-daily" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
4. Pray together daily.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem5" data-id="5" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/5-pray-for-your-spouse-daily" data-basename="5-pray-for-your-spouse-daily" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
5. Pray for your spouse daily.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem6" data-id="6" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/6-pray-for-your-marriage-daily" data-basename="6-pray-for-your-marriage-daily" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
6. Pray for your marriage daily.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem17" data-id="17" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/7-find-laughter-throughout-the-day-laughter-does-good-like-a-medicine-keep-your-humor-and-dont-take-yourself-too-seriously" data-basename="7-find-laughter-throughout-the-day-laughter-does-good-like-a-medicine-keep-your-humor-and-dont-take-yourself-too-seriously" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
7. Find laughter throughout the day. Laughter does good like a medicine. Keep your humor and don't take yourself too seriously.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem7" data-id="7" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/8-be-spontaneous" data-basename="8-be-spontaneous" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
8. Be spontaneous!
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem10" data-id="10" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/9-find-couples-that-are-likeminded-you-must-have-friends-in-common-that-dont-just-tolerate-you-but-celebrate-you" data-basename="9-find-couples-that-are-likeminded-you-must-have-friends-in-common-that-dont-just-tolerate-you-but-celebrate-you" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
9. Find couples that are likeminded. You must have friends in common that don't just tolerate you, but celebrate you.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem8" data-id="8" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/10-never-go-to-bed-angry" data-basename="10-never-go-to-bed-angry" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
10. Never go to bed angry.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem9" data-id="9" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/11-remember-that-your-spouses-job-is-not-to-make-you-happy-joy-must-come-from-a-higher-source" data-basename="11-remember-that-your-spouses-job-is-not-to-make-you-happy-joy-must-come-from-a-higher-source" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
11. Remember that your spouse's job is not to make you happy. Joy must come from a higher source.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem11" data-id="11" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/12-become-interested-in-your-spouses-interests-its-not-all-about-you" data-basename="12-become-interested-in-your-spouses-interests-its-not-all-about-you" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
12. Become interested in your spouses interests. It's not all about you!
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem12" data-id="12" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/13-be-deliberate-about-scheduling-date-nights-you-have-to-continue-to-keep-the-spark-going" data-basename="13-be-deliberate-about-scheduling-date-nights-you-have-to-continue-to-keep-the-spark-going" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
13. Be deliberate about scheduling date nights. You have to continue to keep the spark going!
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem14" data-id="14" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/14-marriage-is-hard-work-dont-give-up" data-basename="14-marriage-is-hard-work-dont-give-up" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
14. Marriage is hard work. Don't give up.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem15" data-id="15" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/15-give-daily-affection-in-the-midst-of-your-shared-routine-something-as-simple-as-a-hug-or-a-kiss-communicates-to-your-spouse-that-you-love-them" data-basename="15-give-daily-affection-in-the-midst-of-your-shared-routine-something-as-simple-as-a-hug-or-a-kiss-communicates-to-your-spouse-that-you-love-them" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
15. Give daily affection. In the midst of your shared routine, something as simple as a hug or a kiss communicates to your spouse that you love them.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem18" data-id="18" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/16-remember-that-marriage-is-a-sacred-promise-it-is-a-promise-to-love-one-another-for-better-or-for-worse" data-basename="16-remember-that-marriage-is-a-sacred-promise-it-is-a-promise-to-love-one-another-for-better-or-for-worse" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
16. Remember that marriage is a sacred promise-- it is a promise to love one another, for better or for worse.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem19" data-id="19" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/17-if-tempers-escalate-sometimes-it-is-best-to-walk-away-cool-down-and-revisit-a-disagreement" data-basename="17-if-tempers-escalate-sometimes-it-is-best-to-walk-away-cool-down-and-revisit-a-disagreement" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
17. If tempers escalate, sometimes it is best to walk away, cool down, and revisit a disagreement.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem20" data-id="20" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/18-go-to-texas-a-m-games-together-gigem" data-basename="18-go-to-texas-a-m-games-together-gigem" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
18. Go to Texas A&M games together! Gig'em!
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem21" data-id="21" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/19-be-sincere-and-vulnerable-vulnerable-communication-is-vital-if-you-cant-be-vulnerable-to-your-spouse-who-can-you-be-vulnerable-to" data-basename="19-be-sincere-and-vulnerable-vulnerable-communication-is-vital-if-you-cant-be-vulnerable-to-your-spouse-who-can-you-be-vulnerable-to" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
19. Be sincere and vulnerable. Vulnerable communication is vital. If you can't be vulnerable to your spouse, who can you be vulnerable to?
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem22" data-id="22" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/20-be-intentional-about-listening-you-have-two-ears-and-one-mouth-use-them-in-that-order" data-basename="20-be-intentional-about-listening-you-have-two-ears-and-one-mouth-use-them-in-that-order" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
20. Be intentional about listening. You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in that order.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem23" data-id="23" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/21-do-activities-that-make-your-spouse-happy-if-your-spouse-likes-classic-movies-watch-classic-movies-with-them-if-your-spouse-loves-sports-go-to-sports-games-with-them" data-basename="21-do-activities-that-make-your-spouse-happy-if-your-spouse-likes-classic-movies-watch-classic-movies-with-them-if-your-spouse-loves-sports-go-to-sports-games-with-them" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
21. Do activities that make your spouse happy! If your spouse likes classic movies, watch classic movies with them. If your spouse loves sports, go to sports games with them.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem24" data-id="24" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/22-dont-ever-be-afraid-to-go-to-professional-counseling-that-is-the-sign-of-a-healthy-relationship" data-basename="22-dont-ever-be-afraid-to-go-to-professional-counseling-that-is-the-sign-of-a-healthy-relationship" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
22. Don't ever be afraid to go to professional counseling-- that is the sign of a healthy relationship.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem25" data-id="25" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/23-anything-worth-keeping-is-worth-discipline-love-is-an-action-as-well-as-a-feeling" data-basename="23-anything-worth-keeping-is-worth-discipline-love-is-an-action-as-well-as-a-feeling" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
23. Anything worth keeping is worth discipline. Love is an action as well as a feeling.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem26" data-id="26" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/24-dont-ever-forget-the-big-dates-anniversary-birthdays-etc-these-are-annual-opportunities-to-celebrate-one-another" data-basename="24-dont-ever-forget-the-big-dates-anniversary-birthdays-etc-these-are-annual-opportunities-to-celebrate-one-another" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
24. Don't ever forget the big dates (anniversary, birthdays, etc.). These are annual opportunities to celebrate one another.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem27" data-id="27" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/25-learn-to-respond-versus-react" data-basename="25-learn-to-respond-versus-react" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
25. Learn to respond versus react.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem28" data-id="28" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/26-share-your-life-goals-together-ask-your-spouse-where-do-you-see-us-in-10-years-15-20" data-basename="26-share-your-life-goals-together-ask-your-spouse-where-do-you-see-us-in-10-years-15-20" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
26. Share your life goals together. Ask your spouse, "where do you see us in 10 years? 15? 20?"
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem29" data-id="29" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/27-seek-to-understand-and-empathize" data-basename="27-seek-to-understand-and-empathize" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
27. Seek to understand and empathize.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem30" data-id="30" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/28-you-cant-tell-the-person-you-love-that-you-love-them-enough-you-simply-cannot-overdo-this-expression-tell-this-to-your-spouse-daily" data-basename="28-you-cant-tell-the-person-you-love-that-you-love-them-enough-you-simply-cannot-overdo-this-expression-tell-this-to-your-spouse-daily" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
28. You can't tell the person you love that you love them enough. You simply cannot overdo this expression. Tell this to your spouse daily.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem31" data-id="31" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/29-negatives-will-always-be-there-find-the-positives-in-every-situation-that-you-and-your-spouse-find-yourself-in" data-basename="29-negatives-will-always-be-there-find-the-positives-in-every-situation-that-you-and-your-spouse-find-yourself-in" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
29. Negatives will always be there. Find the positives in every situation that you and your spouse find yourself in.
</h2>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem32" data-id="32" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/30-marriage-lessons-30th-anniversary/30-marriage-evolves-in-every-season-friends-come-and-go-and-kids-grow-up-and-embark-on-their-own-life-journey-remember-that-the-person-that-will-be-there-with-you-through-it-all-is-your-spouse-they-ar" data-basename="30-marriage-evolves-in-every-season-friends-come-and-go-and-kids-grow-up-and-embark-on-their-own-life-journey-remember-that-the-person-that-will-be-there-with-you-through-it-all-is-your-spouse-they-ar" data-post-id="2648969343" data-published-at="1605725516" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
30. Marriage evolves in every season. Friends come and go, and kids grow up and embark on their own life journey. Remember that the person that will be there with you through it all is your spouse. They are your best friend.
</h2>
</div></p><p class="">Everyone who knows them loves them, but none more than me! They have taught me to always err on the side of grace, live life in constant celebration, and love others without reproach - they do so with me and with each other. Mom and Dad, thank you for teaching me about love!</p><div class="post-pager js-listicle-pager" data-listicle-style="" data-async_load_parameters="platform=desktop&display_ads=1&settings=%7B%22enter_url%22%3A+null%2C+%22no_post_section%22%3A+null%2C+%22ads_breaks%22%3A+%5B3%2C+3%2C+3%2C+3%2C+3%5D%2C+%22prevent_last_break_repetition%22%3A+false%2C+%22use_numeration%22%3A+false%2C+%22show_columns_on_mobile%22%3A+null%2C+%22ads_order%22%3A+%5B3%2C+3%2C+3%2C+3%2C+3%5D%2C+%22turn_into_posts%22%3A+null%2C+%22list_breaks%22%3A+null%2C+%22reorder_voting%22%3A+null%2C+%22cooldown_in_seconds%22%3A+null%2C+%22pagination_order%22%3A+null%2C+%22source%22%3A+%22engine_settings%22%2C+%22next_post_url%22%3A+null%2C+%22up_down_voting%22%3A+false%2C+%22allow_url_change%22%3A+null%2C+%22numeration_sort%22%3A+-1%2C+%22allow_url_update%22%3A+null%2C+%22use_pagination%22%3A+false%2C+%22body_text_above%22%3A+false%2C+%22use_ads%22%3A+true%2C+%22items_as_posts%22%3A+false%2C+%22multiple_answers%22%3A+null%2C+%22no_redirect%22%3A+null%2C+%22is_guest_voting_allowed%22%3A+null%2C+%22layout_type%22%3A+null%2C+%22voting_extra_fields%22%3A+null%7D">
</div>
Keep Reading...
Show less
