Latino Couple Celebrates 82nd Wedding Anniversary -- How Did They Last?
A couple from California recently proved love can last a lifetime -- or even more than that of the average person.
Nicholas and Rafaela Ordaz have recently celebrated their 82nd wedding anniversary with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as per Fox News Latino.
The couple wed during the Great Depression in the US in 1934. Nicholas just turned 102 Friday, as per MailOnline.
When asked about the secret to their marriage, they said that the longevity of their relationship is down to respect, affection and not making a big deal out of the small things.
In the age of quick divorces and unconventional family arrangements, the Ordaz couple's resiliency in their marriage may be an inspiration to many and proof that one can remain married to the same person all one's life.
However, the pair is still four years shy of duplicating the longevity of the current Guinness World Record holder for the longest marriage. The record stands at 86 years and 290 days, held by Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher. Mr. Fisher died in February 2011.
Respect as a key to a successful marriage and relationship, as mentioned by the Ordaz couple, has been affirmed by a psychologist, Boston College research professor Peter Gray.
"Love without respect is dangerous; it can crush the other person, sometimes literally," he said in his Psychology Today piece. "To respect is to understand that the other person is not you, not an extension of you, not a reflection of you, not your toy, not your pet, not your product."
He went on to explain that in a relationship where respect is upheld, one's job is to understand that the other person is unique and that one has to figure out ways to make one's needs blend well with that of the partner, as well as find out how to help the other achieve his or her goals.
"Love brings bliss to both types of relationships, but only if tempered by respect," he added, also saying that love is not enough - respect must also be part of the big picture in a relationship or marriage.
Meanwhile, other couples who had been married for at least 50 years said that supporting each other, no matter what the situation, is key to wedded bliss.
"I always say, 'I think you're right,' " Anthony Fiore told The Boston Globe. "But I say 'think' so that I cover for myself if I think she's wrong."
Meanwhile, Booker and Willie Anne Wilson said that giving each other space is also an important aspect, as well as being able to talk about everything.
Another couple, Yunzhong Xie and Cuie Zhu, agree to this tip.
"If my wife is upset, I walk away and let her take time to deal with it," Xie explained.
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