Steve and Barbara Krzysko: 43 years married.

Steve and Barbara: The three C's

Steve and Barbara: The three C's

I debated over whether or not to weigh in with advice on how to have a happy marriage.

I decided that the 43 yrs Steve and I have been married gives us some knowledge on what works and what doesn't work.

Let's start by saying I don't think there's a perfect marriage. Ours is a work in progress.

I do think there are three things that are very important. We call them the three C's:communication, compromise and cuddling. Communication means really talking and hearing what the partner is saying, not as easy as it sounds.

Compromise means being willing to not always get your way(that's a two-way street).

And last but not least, cuddling. There is no substitute for the human touch. I've even read lately the experts say holding your spouse's hand can lower your blood pressure. Steve and I went into marriage understanding that "til death do us part" was meant literally.

This message was approved by Steve Krzysko.

Ashleigh and Barak: Slow down, relax

While I can't boast (yet) of 50 years of marriage, I do have sage advice to offer from my three years of wedded bliss. SLOW DOWN! In an age of constantly being connected through IM, cellphones, Twitter, Facebook, etc., life is moving faster than ever before. Don't let it. Time is on your side. Here is our story:

Barak (pronounced Eric with a B) and I first met when we were 15 while living in Springfield, Va. My best friend & his current girlfriend introduced us (that's another story). Ironically, we lived in the same neighborhood but had never met. Soon after, we attended each other's 16th birthday party (our birthdays are only two days apart). We stayed acquaintances through the rest of high school (occasionally, I would give him rides home from school).

It wasn't until my junior year at Roanoke College that we became friends. On my breaks, we would hang out together. I was always attracted to his friendly nature and contagious laugh. Not wanting to ruin our friendship, neither of us made a move until Valentine's Day, 1998. He sent me flowers. I was thrilled, but confused. Our conversations over the phone and even my trip home for Spring Break didn't seem to be any different than before. Did sending me flowers mean something? The bear included with the flowers held a Hershey's Kiss. Was he trying to send me a message? I finally chalked it up to him just being nice. I was lucky enough to have someone remember me on special holidays, right?

It wasn't until May that things dramatically changed. He came down to Roanoke College to attend graduation with me. Afterwards, we took a walk. I can still remember the spot on the sidewalk in front of Mac and Bob's where he took my hand. It was a simple gesture that weekend that changed our relationship forever. It wasn't very long before he took my whole heart as well.

We dated long distance for three years before Barak moved down to Roanoke in 2001. Three years after that, he surprised me at Mill Mountain Star with a ring. By the time we were wed in 2006, we had dated for 8 years and had known each other for almost half our lives.

I cannot imagine it any other way. Within those 8 years, our love for each other has flourished. What had started out as a simple friendship had grown into something much more. In fact we tease each other by saying, "I love you just a little bit." He'll mock, "Just a little bit?" "Yes," I respond, "a little bit more than yesterday."

Like all good things in life, LOVE is worth the wait. Why rush? Take your time and enjoy every moment.

And despite the pressure from both our parents, I know that in good time, we'll start a family. And when we do, it'll be worth the wait as well.

Linda and Jerry: Unconditional love

After almost 40 years of marriage (Aug. 28, 2010), having 2 daughters (Michelle, Tracy), 2 sons-in-law (Kevin, Trey) and 7 grandchildren (Laken, Ashden, Kyle, Kaileigh, Kerrington, Desire, and Leah), a close family doing lots of things together, camping, picnics, amusement parks, just being together for family time.

Jerry and Linda have owned and operated J W Upholstery in Salem for 20 years, recovering and repairing furniture out of our home on Carolina Ave. Jerry drives a school bus and trains bus drivers for Salem City Schools, and Linda drives a Special Needs bus for Roanoke County Schools and drives for Roanoke County Parks and Rec., working with the adults who have special needs.

Secrets to our many years together: Love one another, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Never go to sleep angry at each other. Do things together. We took our wedding vows to heart (to death do us part). We do everything together and with our family. Don't be afraid to try new things. We brought a motorcycle (a Goldwing touring bike) to ride together, what a new experience. For almost 10 years we rode to many states and made many special friends.

Talk, talk, talk listen, listen, and listen to one another. Last but most important Know and Obey GOD.