Making promises on the day you get married is one thing. Fulfilling them for the rest of your life is quite another. We found three couples who know what it means to keep your word - and they`ve done the time to prove it...

Pearl Anniversary
Wilfred, owner of a removal company and Lesley Schnaid, a school teacher have been married for 30 years.The first meeting between Wilfred and Lesley took the form of a blind date. She recalls that when she first saw him, there was a look in his eye and expression on his face which held something that she couldn`t quite put her finger on. Needless to say, they had a pleasant evening and Lesley didn`t think any more would come of it. Wilfred, on the other hand, had other ideas. In his mind he had found his soul mate, and he continues to adore his now `30-year- old` bride.The Schnaids believe that the foundation for their relationship was a very good friendship. For the two years that they went out, Lesley found that she could confide in Wilfred and vice versa. After they got married, Lesley`s biggest adjustment was learning to live with someone else, as she had been used to living on her own. "I went from being able to come and go as I pleased, to suddenly being part of this rigid routine where I was responsible for someone else and had a home to run."

There have been hurdles. Lesley recalls how the eldest of their two daughters fought for her life after being born prematurely. This was an especially difficult time, but they believe the experiences have brought them closer. "We`ve always known that we could depend on one another", Lesley says. According to Wilfred the times they`ve spent together have made them more akin. "We even think alike now," he says. "Sometimes I find myself thinking something and before I can say it, Lesley takes that words right out of my mouth."

Their pearls of wisdom: It`s easy to make a commitment. Keeping it, however, is another story. You need to have good, strong values and a realisation that this is for life. Your love for each other will also change. When you`re young, everything`s flowery and beautiful. But as you grow older, your love matures, much like savouring a strong wine. It becomes more flavoursome.

Golden Anniversary
Bryen, a retired works manager and Bernice Devine, a stay-at-home mom have been married for 50 golden years.The Devines met while Bernice was dating Bryen`s best friend. He used to accompany them on their dates, which really irritated Bernice. "I used the `three`s a crowd` line countless times, but he just didn`t take the hint." After some time her relationship with his friend ended and Bryen started to visit. A year later they got married.

According to them, marriage is about give and take. "You must be fair with one another and learn to take your ups and downs," says Bryen. "Honesty is essential. You should never keep things bottled up." They also have a policy about arguing. "We never go to bed on an argument," says Bernice. "We always make peace first."

Bryen believes that it`s the little things that count. "I always make a point of phoning home during the day to see how Bernice is doing. It is something I have done throughout our married life." He also attributes the fact that they are so close to not having the luxury of television in the earlier days of their marriage. "Not having TV made a big difference in our lives. Everything involved spending quality time with Bernice and our three girls. Communication is key in any relationship and it is something we have never lacked."Their golden counsel: Save. Money can make or break a marriage when you don`t have it, or haven`t made proper provision for it. Your first few years of marriage are difficult, but if you learn early to plan ahead, you will be well on your way to happiness. Above all, respect and listen to each other. A marriage is a union and can only work if you treat it as such.

Diamond Anniversary
Stewart, who worked in the motor trade and Beth Bates, a stay-at-home mom have been married for a brilliant 60 years.Stewart and Beth Bates may have been married for 60 years, but their friendship began long before that. Stewart can even recall carrying Beth`s schoolcase for her. "I`d say we`ve probably known each other for about 74 years, he says." After school they used to go out with groups of friends, and eventually, paired up. The astounding thing is that they were 26 and 27 respectively, when they got married.

If anything, the Bates` life can be described as stable. Stewart worked in the motor trade for 48 years and the couple stayed in the same house for over 50 years. They believe the greatest reward of their marriage has been having and raising their two daughters and son. "Our children have been our whole lives," says Beth. "I was always happy staying at home with them", she says, "but unfortunately life is very different today. Young people want to be out working, and they need the money." What`s especially gratifying for the Bates today, is that their children now have children of their own who love visiting their grandparents. "We are all the best of friends," remarks Stewart.

Arguments have always been few and far between in the Bates household. Beth admits that she wouldn`t mind having an argument now and then, but Stewart is very smooth tempered. According to him, it takes two to have an argument. "If one of the two keeps quiet, the argument has to fall away," he explains. "Life is too short to fight."Their glittering guidance: Learn to give and take. This may seem easy when you say it, but it`s the actual practicing of this philosophy which makes the difference. You must appreciate each other and the time you share together because, as you get older, the days seem to pass by much quicker. Love is all about being the best of friends and helping one another.

Article source: LifeWorld