Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Vinings Couples Share Secrets to Marital Bliss
David Meurer, the award-winning author of books on marriages, family, culture and numerous other topics, said a great marriage is not when the perfect couple come together, “but is when an imperfect couple has learned to enjoy each other’s differences.”
Three long-married couples who live in Buckhead, Sandy Springs and Vinings have been enjoying one another’s differences for a combined total of 184 years.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, each couple was interviewed by the Neighbor. Each one said their strong marriage has its foundation in love, a good communication link between husband and wife and an effort to never go to bed angry at one another.
Richard and Barbara Conway
Richard and Barbara Conway, who were married June 14, have been husband and wife for 59 years and live in the Lenbrook retirement community in Buckhead. They have four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“We have as perfect partnership and have been together since we went to a freshman dance together in high school in 1953, so we have had a few years to get accustomed to one another,” Richard said.
A retired Georgia Power employee, Richard said his work, which took him away from home for long periods of time, helped their marriage stay strong.
Barbara said their successful marriage is based on love and mutual respect.
“Even this morning, I apologized to Richard for something I did and that is just the way it is.” she said.
Richard said he has learned that when his wife asks him a question, she is actually making a statement.
“If a lady asks you if you believe the carpet needed cleaning, it is not a question as it means she is having the carpet cleaned, period,” he said.
Hugo and Alida Moreno
Hugo and Alida Moreno, who live in the Mount Vernon Towers retirement community in Sandy Springs, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary Nov.17.
They have three living children with their fourth child now deceased, as well as having five grandchildren.
Alida said the basis of their marriage is love, understanding of one another and patience.
“We are not only husband and wife, but my husband is my best friend and is always there for me,” she said.
Hugo echoed her remarks, but said love has always been at the foundation of their marriage.
Henry and Jody Smith
Henry and Jody Smith of Vinings will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary April 5. They have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and said their love for one another has kept their marriage strong and vibrant.
“We believe that, following being in love with one another, a strong marriage is based on compromise, compassion and a lot of intimacy, both emotional and physical,” Jody said. “When we walk through our community, we are always holding hands. We have had many people come up to us while we were walking and tell us they want to be like us when they get older.”
Henry simply said he loves Jody very much and considers her not only his wife but his best friend.