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| Chelsey and Blake: perfect together. |
My favorite wedding planning moments have been practicing our mother son dance. We have not danced much over the years; he was a wall hanger at family weddings where we would have had the chance. But he is marrying a dancing queen, so I think (really hope) he is in for a future of dancing. It’s such fun, and an easy way to make her happy.
We’ve had two practice sessions with an instructor, and I’ve learned a few new steps. Now if I can remember to follow, keep my arms where they need to be, forget the steps and enjoy the moment. It’s been such fun for me that I’m starting a new tradition, dancing together on my birthday and his and any celebration in between.
How do you make love last?
I wanted to use this post to give the young lovers words of advice on how to keep your marriage as fresh and exciting 30 years from now as it is on your wedding day. Sustaining that passion takes work and intention. Then I found this little pamphlet I have saved in my desk for about 10 years. I realized that Dale Carnegie’s principles from How to Win Friends and Influence People could be the recipe for a happy marriage.
· Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.
· Give honest, sincere appreciation.
· Arouse in the other person an eager want.
· Smile.
· Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
· Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
· Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.
· If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
· Try honestly to see from the other person’s point of view
· Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth and refuse to give it more.
· Cooperate with the inevitable.
· Don’t worry about the past.
And I’m adding one more …
· Keep dancing -- at weddings, parties, at home before and after dinner, always …
Trust me on this. Your mother knows.
Join me in toasting the happy couple, and share your best advice on how to make love last.
