Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Doing online research, I found, “Though it’s recognized as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions around the world, it’s not a public holiday in any country.” It went on to say, “In the United States it is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers, or presents to their spouse or partner.”

The guy in the photo? That’s Len. He’s my sweetheart; the guy I’m still head over heels in love with after almost thirty-eight years of marriage. We’ve been through ups and downs, thick and thin, better and worse, sickness and health, joy and sorrow… many of the contrasts that relationships can experience, and we’re still going strong.

A few years ago I posted the ingredients for our long-term success. They bear repeating:

• Self and mutual respect
• Intentional kindness
• Active listening
• Forgiveness
• Quality individual time, balanced with quality together time
• Individual hobbies, balanced with mutual interests
• Laughter. Definitely laughter!

What’s your favorite relationship ingredient?

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