JEANNE AND FRED'S SUGGESTIONS FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Happy marriage

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Fred and Jeanne Linley

on their Wedding Day

July 10, 1948

Fred and Jeanne Linley on their

Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary

JEANNE AND FRED'S SUGGESTIONS FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

* * *

* * * * *

Show respect for your spouse. Treat your spouse nicely and always be kind and courteous. Do little things for each other. Be thoughtful. This makes both of you happy.
Yield to the wishes of the other - as an exercise in self-discipline, if you can't think of a better reason. Selfishness is the best way to have an unhappy marriage and feel miserable.
Be happy. Cherish the moment, as life is short. If you're miserable, it just might be that it's caused by you and not your mate. Try to see your own faults. No one wants to be around a sourpuss.
Pray together. Put God first. Go to church together as a family. This is the key to a happy marriage. Praying together is magical...and it will make you a better and happier person. Your marriage is only as good as your relationship with God. Nurture your prayer life daily. God must be pursued and the more you chase Him, the more you catch Him! Talking to God should be like breathing. Tell Him your plans and dreams. He is a real person, he created you and loves to have communication with you.
It takes two to make an argument. There's usually two sides to an argument and when you're angry it's difficult to see the other person's point of view or your own faults. Anger not only hurts your mate but it hurts you! Never go to bed angry. When you've had a disagreement, be the first one to say you're sorry. Ask for forgiveness quickly. "Will you forgive me" works miracles! "Forgive me", "I love you" and "I'm sorry" are magical phrases and the quicker you say I'm sorry, the better! Don't hold grudges. Being angry or resentful is totally destructive.
Don't be critical. If you must criticize, do so lovingly and try sandwiching the criticism between two compliments. Never put down your spouse. Putting someone down only shows that you want to appear superior. We all have faults.
Don't blame everything on your spouse. Accept responsibility for your own actions. It isn't always the fault of someone else.
Praise works wonders. Be generous with compliments to your partner. Praise, respect, showing admiration, complimenting, being thankful, being considerate, showing appreciation and doing nice things for your mate are positive affirmations that work. Practice courtesy and good manners with your spouse. Give recognition and "strokes" to each other often. Heaping praise on your spouse makes you both feel good!
Try not to harp, whine, pester, gripe, complain or nag. These are all negative and do no good. Positive suggestions work.
Trust in God's Providence. Don't worry. God does provide and He likes us to trust in Him.
Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
Be clean, neat and well groomed. Be organized and neat in your habits. This is just being thoughtful and considerate of those around you.
Don't talk uncomplimentary about your spouse.
Always have affectionate greetings for your mate. Cherish each other by being affectionate and loving. Holding hands, lots of hugs and tender kissing are important. This is important for your children to see also.
Spend time together. Have fun. Don't spend all of your time on your own pursuits.
Share your feelings with your partner. We are not mind readers and communication is very important. Really listen to each other and acknowledge each other's feelings.
Humor is the best medicine. Make each other laugh. Be silly. Have fun! Lighten up. It keeps you healthy to laugh.
Be unselfish, lovable, generous and have empathy for each other. Compromise some of the time. You'll reap the rewards in the long run.
Discuss finances together and practice good budgeting. Don't spend large amounts of money without consulting each other. You are a couple - not two people! Include non-accountable spending money. Don't spend every penny. Live below your means and be frugal. Find out the joy of saving. Subscribe to a finance magazine and learn money management.
An occasional surprise gift does wonders and it doesn't have to be expensive. It is the thought that counts.
Drink alcohol only in moderation. Alcohol has ruined many a marriage.
IN OTHER WORDS... THE MORE SAINTLY WE BECOME, THE MORE WE LOSE SELF AND BECOME MORE LOVING, FORGIVING, PATIENT, KIND, TRUSTING, OBEDIENT, UNSELFISH, SEEKING GOD'S WILL AND NOT OUR OWN, THE HAPPIER WE BECOME AND THE HAPPIER OUR MARRIAGE BECOMES.

Fred and Jeanne

at their fiftieth wedding

celebration

cutting their cake

Jeanne and Fred

May 9 1992

* IN MEMORIAM *
FREDERICK LINLEY
born October 3, 1922 - died April 11, 2006

*the cupid sitting on top of the cake came from Jeanne's parents wedding in 1923 and has been used on all the wedding cakes in Fred and Jeanne's family)