The Herald, Sharon, PA Published Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002

What makes marriage work?

The Herald received an overwhelming response to its annual Valentine's Day contest, which had the theme this year of "What makes a marriage work?"

There was so much good advice that after we chose our winners, we thought it was important to share some of the other bits of marital wisdom that had been sent to us via e-mail and the post office. Here are some of the responses from entrants:

"Husbands and wives, take time, not just Valentine's Day, but every day and in some small way, say 'I love you' to each other. Build wonderful memories that you can share to the generations that will follow. Two hearts beating for the other until death do us part, that is true love."

Sandra and Richard Saxion, Greenville, married for 35 years

§ § §

"What's the secret to a long, happy marriage? Trust! You have got to trust one another completely. It is so very important to have a strong foundation to build on. Once the relationship grows and new things are added on, if there are any cracks in the foundation everything will fall!"

Ingrid Wozniak, Mercer, married to Lawrence Wozniak for 23 years

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"We have learned to accept each other's faults and go on. We never go our separate ways or go out alone. We are always a couple. We actually miss each other in the day and my husband will call me when he gets the chance from work...

"Our life is never boring since we like the same things, from flea markets to decorating the house with wallpaper. We do it all together. One thing is that I am a Steelers fan and Marty is a Browns fan, so that does make football Sunday interesting. We have fun with it and enjoy life."

Millie Morrison, Brookfield, married to husband Marty for 13 years

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"I have been married to my best friend, Bill, for 44 years. We have based our lives for the last 44 years on faith in God and trust and faith in each other. Be open and honest with each other. Lack of trust breeds doubt."

Donna Hensel, Volant

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"Each of you must give 110 percent to make a marriage work. You always use the word 'I' before you got married. Now the word is 'We.'"

Mr. and Mrs. Art Dixon, Mercer

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"I guess the best advice that we can give to anyone starting out in a marriage or even someone who may be going through rough times in their marriage is to remember that your spouse is not only your partner in marriage, but your partner in everyday things. Your mate should become your best friend, the person you turn to no matter what, whether it is good times or bad. The one who holds you up when you don't feel like standing ...

"No matter how hectic your life may get with work, children or everyday chores, take the time to touch each other, whether it be a gentle hand or just that special eye contact."

Kelly and Dave Guido,

Hermitage, married for 23 years

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"We have been married for 28 years. What kept us together is Love. That was never lost from the beginning. Respect --- when times are difficult. Honesty -- when the truth is needed to be told. Sacrifice -- for each other and our children. Last, but not least, no outside interferences."

Daniel and Gloria Stewart,

Altadena, Calif., formerly of Farrell

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"Do things to keep your love alive. Spend time alone together and make it a point to date. Go out on dates and be romantic. Hold hands and kiss whenever possible. Never forget why you fell in love."

Brandy DiClaudio,

Sharon, married to David DiClaudio for one year

§ § §

"Have fun with each other! If I listen very hard, I can still hear Grandma's shrill and joyous laugh -- Grandpa's too. It warms my heart to think of how happy they were together. He picked on her unmercifully, and, if you paid close attention, you would hear her get back at him in the slyest way! They found fun in traveling together and being with their large family too. Every day, my husband and I find something to laugh about together. We joke with each other, which keeps our marriage light and easygoing. Laugh away the stress of the day."

Hope Verelst,

Volant, married for seven years, talking about her grandparents, Harry and Ruth Brocklehurst, who were married for 51 years

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"My husband keeps our marriage exciting. His favorite saying is 'keep the mystique alive' ... and he does that, always doing things to make me smile and unexpected surprises. We are each other's best friend. We don't always agree on things, but we do always listen to each other's opinions."

Sherry Dick

New Wilmington, married to Gary Dick for 26 1/2 years

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"We stand together against any problem that comes along ... You have to give 100 percent of yourself to making the other happy ... My wife and I learned to deal with major problems together and to laugh together about the little ones. The things that seem so big today will not amount to much tomorrow ... Besides all this, couples must face the world together. Determine to grow old together. Remember that you will both change in looks and health may fade, but you are still the same person inside."

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rhoades,

Sharon, married for 40 years

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"I firmly believe that along with an incredible love for each other, a huge sense of humor is the single most important glue that holds my marriage together."

Gail Hightree,

Greenville, married to Dale Hightree for 12 1/2 years

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"Marie and I lived through the ravages of World War II, during which time I sacrificed 28 months of my life serving our country. We lived through the scare of polio during the '40s. When our little boy complained that his legs ached, it sent chills through both of us. Was he going to be the next victim?

"We learned to 'tough it out' together. We were determined we were not going to be beaten. Perhaps it was the upbringing of our parents during the Great Depression that hardened us for future catastrophes. However, we made it and we are looking forward to many more healthful and blissful years together!"

Pat Nicastro,

Brookfield, married to Marie Nicastro for 59 years

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"Each individual talents and tendencies are identified and are shared, i.e.: she fit her wisdom to my foolishness.

"Then when you plan and develop your offspring, that's when the real help kicks in ... your family becomes one and true love is now shared by all family members. This is what I like to refer to as "The fruits of shared labor."

Joe and Kim Mirizio,

West Middlesex



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