It is my parents 63rd or 64th anniversary.  I can never remember exactly how long they've been married.  They have one of those enduring loves that is the source of both inspiration and envy for anyone who knows them. So in honor my my parents - today I am going to share with you my mother's top three nuggets of advice for long lasting marital bliss.

1. "I only have eyes for your father.  He is the only thing in the room when I'm with him."  Now this sounds sweet and romantic, unless of course you are also in the room with them!  What my mother is really saying is that no one and nothing is, was, or ever will be more important to her then him.  Not kids, grand kids, bills, jobs, or any thing else.  Now, some might balk about this.  Some women in particular might say that their children are their priority.  Some might secretly have to admit a career takes top bill.  I would say that having watched the might of this relationship all my life, mom is on to something.   No one is happy when a marriage is falling apart.  NO ONE.  So, keeping your honey your number one priority is good for everyone involved.
2. "Sometimes communication is over-rated."  What???  Upon further inquiry what my mother was trying to say was simple.  Seriously be choosy about picking your battles.  "It seems to me like now days people feel like they have to vent about every little thing.  Your father does some things that really irritate me.  However, 99% of the time, I look the other way and never say a thing.  I do not nag my man.   So, then when it's important, and I do speak my mind, you better believe he listens."  Ask anyone who knows them.  She's right.  My mother does not nag - not ever.  She is also right in her observation, when she speaks up, it's a big freaking deal and she gets the attention she's looking for.
3. "I can't keep my hands off that handsome man."   As a teenager this was a terribly annoying and sometimes humiliating trait.  As an adult, I find the ways they are physically affectionate enchanting and charming.  If they are sitting in the same room, they are quite likely to be in the same chair.  They always hold hands.  She has always got her hand on his leg in the car.  I can count on one hand the number of nights they've slept in separate beds in their entire 60-sum year marriage.  These two take physical intimacy to a whole new level and it's worked for them. They have been able to keep a physical and yes, even sexual connection into their eighties.  Who doesn't want that???

So, here's to my mom, who says I never listen to her...
I think it's pretty obvious she's got this marriage thing figured out.