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2008-08-14 08:14:32 UTC
http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articlerb.aspx?cp-documentid=8319136>1=32023
What Happy Couples Know
By Nicole Yorio
No one knows more about how to create a successful marriage than those
who live it every day. In their new book, Wonderful Marriage, Lilo and
Gerry Leeds, who've been married for more than 56 years, share their
wisdom on how to build and sustain a strong and lasting partnership.
Some of their tips:
Be your ideal spouse. If someone asked you what you wanted from your
partner, you'd quickly rattle off a long list of qualities. But a
great relationship starts with you, the Leedses say. "It's my job to
be the kind of partner I want," Lilo says. "I think, Instead of
criticizing, what can I do differently? or What am I doing that is
upsetting him?" Once you commit to improving you, you'll notice a
difference in your relationship — and you'll be motivated to improve
even more.
Think before you speak. "When I'm angry, I say, 'Don't talk to me. I'm
busy counting to 100,'" Lilo says. "Counting prevents fights from
escalating because by the time I'm done, I either forget why I am mad
or I realize that what I'm angry about is unimportant."
Ask for what you need instead of complaining about what is wrong. If
something bothers you, it's better to get it off your chest rather
than fume. "But there's a big difference between 'We never go out to
dinner' and 'I'd like to go out for dinner,'" Lilo says. "Asking sets
a positive tone, and is more likely to get results."
Make your marriage a lifelong courtship. "Just because the honeymoon
ends doesn't mean the romance has to stop," Lilo says. Gerry adds, "We
are still holding hands, making love, and skiing down mountains
together. We knew we'd be happy when we met more than five decades
ago, but the reality is better than our dreams."
What Happy Couples Know
By Nicole Yorio
No one knows more about how to create a successful marriage than those
who live it every day. In their new book, Wonderful Marriage, Lilo and
Gerry Leeds, who've been married for more than 56 years, share their
wisdom on how to build and sustain a strong and lasting partnership.
Some of their tips:
Be your ideal spouse. If someone asked you what you wanted from your
partner, you'd quickly rattle off a long list of qualities. But a
great relationship starts with you, the Leedses say. "It's my job to
be the kind of partner I want," Lilo says. "I think, Instead of
criticizing, what can I do differently? or What am I doing that is
upsetting him?" Once you commit to improving you, you'll notice a
difference in your relationship — and you'll be motivated to improve
even more.
Think before you speak. "When I'm angry, I say, 'Don't talk to me. I'm
busy counting to 100,'" Lilo says. "Counting prevents fights from
escalating because by the time I'm done, I either forget why I am mad
or I realize that what I'm angry about is unimportant."
Ask for what you need instead of complaining about what is wrong. If
something bothers you, it's better to get it off your chest rather
than fume. "But there's a big difference between 'We never go out to
dinner' and 'I'd like to go out for dinner,'" Lilo says. "Asking sets
a positive tone, and is more likely to get results."
Make your marriage a lifelong courtship. "Just because the honeymoon
ends doesn't mean the romance has to stop," Lilo says. Gerry adds, "We
are still holding hands, making love, and skiing down mountains
together. We knew we'd be happy when we met more than five decades
ago, but the reality is better than our dreams."