Show your children that the marital relationship is the main priority. Be courteous to each other. Respect your spouse by speaking well of them. Always. Enjoy the day-to-day routines and even the disasters, which will likely end up as treasured funny stories.

My in-laws remained married for more than sixty-five years — until they died only days apart in their nineties. Overall, they did marriage well. Without saying, they showed their priorities and kindness toward each other to model to their family.

Since they lived five hours from us, our visits always included plenty of hugs and kisses, especially for the grandchildren. Always at the end of the visit, Papa would say, “Take care of each other.”

When we were first married, I thought it odd because, of course, we helped each other. I didn’t understand, but over the years, I saw they meant for us to do more than just contribute to the marriage and family. More than seeing there’s a paycheck to pay the bills. Being sure there’s food in the fridge and clean clothes in the closet.

They also meant we should be kind to each other – and not just when it was easy, when we didn’t feel like it. Marriage isn’t an easy story to write, but it can be done well with kindness and a sense of humor to turn any disasters into funny stories to pass down to the next generation.