And boring. Every year around VD, I guess the news cycle is slow. The big headlines are couples married lots-oh-years. Followed by their deep deep deep words of wisdom on how they made that happen. Of course the advice is always dumb, and they probably didn’t even use it. Their great success is that both spouses lived a long time. That’s it. They never quite say they were happily married, although now they probably are because it’s all they know. I’m betting they fought as much as their peers, and grinded it out as many people do, especially if they have children and limited cash. A dear relation of mine died recently, and I couldn’t help but snort when I read the obit. She was in her 80’s, and probably had been married a good(?) sixty years. (Sorry Aunt C. but you know this is true). She hated her husband. Loudly and continuously. There was never a conversation that she didn’t complain about him. Weird complaints, too. That no good husband of mine just repaired the car, painted the bathroom, and took on more overtime at the plant. Humph. I found him kind of scary, but as far as I know he didn’t run around the house with knives. That he probably sharpened. Whenever I got birthday and Christmas cards, she signed his name so tiny I couldn’t even see it. Kind of funny, but really sad because I thought how awful to be stuck with someone you didn’t like, love, or respect. But oh, the big O. (Well, maybe??) The Obit. Surrounded by the loving husband. All those years of marriage with the loving husband. I never heard a nice thing said about him. Of course I’m going to be sleeping with one eye open after channeling the deceased, but even my dearest knows what I know. So when I read the VD advice, I’m guessing it’s mostly a crock. Your super power is being old. And forgetting all that goes into a long marriage. Keep it to yourself. I’m already afraid of the dark….