[cquick]

I expect the numbers are the same here as anywhere for our age group. I don't see much difference.

[tommy steam]

Originally Posted by skip0358

Coming up on 42 years married in July & 65 years of age in December. Full time resident

Did you live in patchogue your whole life? I lived there for about 5 years...river ave and winges av. Oh yes we are married 44 years.

[Steve & Deanna]

My wife and I just celebrated our 46th (in The Villages) a few months ago 68/69 and having a great time. Life is (Good)Great !!!

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by rubicon

so let's extend the thread/modify it by asking what accounts for long lasting marriages? How is it with all the problems associated with raltionships and distractions can two people stay together for so long?

When you know you have the best, why would you jeopardize that? Paul Newman is supposed to have said "why would I play around with hamburger when I have Filet at home".

[Boudicca]

I'm 64, husband 66 - Together as a couple for 47 years, married for 44 years, Villagers for 3 plus years and we still love each other

[sandybill2]

Married 10/8/65----I was 18--he was 24----still together-----can't imagine our lives without each other! We knew each other 2 months before we married!

[raynan]

We've been married 42 yrs and are full-time FROGS. I believe the main ingredient to a happy marriage is TRUST and then a sense of humor.
Lots of long-term marriages on our street.

[2 Oldcrabs]

Married 38 years. We are 58 &59. One thing I learned after 38 years, I am no longer afraid of death!

[DandyGirl]

We're 60 & 65 and will celebrate 44 years in November. We laugh together everyday!

[6XNANA]

Married 49 years last month, we were 17(me) and 21 (him). We were told it wouldn't last and we proved them wrong. Full time Villagers and have been here almost 3 years. One important aspect of longevity is to respect one another and always be there in good and bad times for each other. We have two amazing daughters and 6 even more amazing grandchildren that make us proud every day. Life is good

[Jim 9922]

Fifty for us next year. A tradition in our families. Both sets of parents and grand parents went past 50 years each, only to be separated by death of a partner. And, no divorces among any of the married children of the 3 generations. We all took/take our wedding vows seriously. Maybe it helps to be married to a wonderful partner!

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Jim 9922

Fifty for us next year. A tradition in our families. Both sets of parents and grand parents went past 50 years each, only to be separated by death of a partner. And, no divorces among any of the married children of the 3 generations. We all took/take our wedding vows seriously. Maybe it helps to be married to a wonderful partner!

That's a wonderful "tradition" and wonderful family legacy.........
We'll be celebrating our 50th in 2015.......May 15, 1965 to May 15, 2015.

Like many of the others, we met while young....age 17 in 1962 and became best friends. That friendship has lasted these past 51 years.

The recurring thread in all of these long marriages is respect, trust, being best friends and I'll add being patient and kind. There is great comfort in being with someone familiar who is also your best friend for the long term. A sense of humor is a plus.....no doubt about it.

People who do not enjoy fighting or high drama.......usually last the longest. They can stay calm in the midst of turmoil.....and save the day.

Those who need constant drama and excitement will rarely make the 50 year mark. There are some folks who will provoke arguments out of fear of closeness.........thus, perpetuating the quest for a perfect someone, who probably does not exist........

It boils down to comfort and familiarity interspersed with true love......
vs.
Constant excitement, newness (meaning new relationships) and perhaps the thrill of the catch.

We've all caught our oldies but goodies a long long time ago......it seems.

I just can't believe it's been this long. Where have all the years gone?

Astrologically, it would be interesting to see how everyone paired up........
as earth signs with fellow earth signs, both stable with feet on the ground, will do well........vs. a fire sign and a water sign........water puts out fire.

Two water signs, deep thinking, perhaps spiritual and sensitive.......would also understand each other.......

And so on and so on.........while initially, differences might seem intriguing, often it is the sameness that brings the comfort and ease to a marriage.......someone who truly understands you and thinks along the same lines........has the same values, etc. would just "click".....

If one partner craves constant excitement while the other just wants peace and quiet.......it might not last for long.........unless both enjoy that same sense of adventure and then would be on the same page together with regard to their plans...........

It does seem like there are an abundant amount of "peas in a pod" with happy longterm marriages in TV.....

I've enjoyed reading all that you've shared...............thanks again to all.

[buzzy]

46 yrs. No kids. Some common interests, some separate interests, No selfishness.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by sandybill2

Married 10/8/65----I was 18--he was 24----still together-----can't imagine our lives without each other! We knew each other 2 months before we married!

Lucky for Bill!

[sharonga]

my husband is 63 and i am 62. We have been married 42 years and live in The Villages one year. We are here full time. I would say that maybe 20 percent are on first time marriages.