I was very fortunate to grow up on the same block as my grandparents. I will share a little bit about their marriage and how (positively) different it is from modern marriages.

History

Both my grandparents came here from Europe after world war two. They were European in many ways. They met in 1956 and married in 1957 but their families knew each other for longer than that. They were married until my grandfather died a few years ago.

Dynamics

Grandpa was king! There was no doubt about that. He never raised his voice and never criticized anyone or anything. From his comments or compliments you knew very well whether he approved or disapproved. He loved and adored my grandmother to the high heavens. He was extremely gentle with her and really adored her. She was his world.

Grandma was always there, at his service. His wish was her command. Always with a smile, always with pleasure. She pampered him and treated him the way a king deserves to be treated.

She was the ultimate submissive and he was a true dominant. She was as far from being a doormat as you can possibly imagine, she submitted to him and he in turn protected her and made her feel safe. He provided for her, earned all the money and ran all the financial matters. She never mixed into any of his business. She ran the household, kept everything clean, neat and elegant. She cooked and he never mixed into her business.

Their common attitude was - whatever the other did for them, whether big or small, was always perfect and greatly appreciated.

Long lasting love

It's difficult to describe the intensity of their love for each other and the commitment they had to one another. Us spring chickens can learn a lot from their 50+ year marriage.

There was absolute trust between them and a great respect for privacy. They knew what they needed to know and kept their nose out of where it didn't belong.

Conclusion

I think the biggest take away lesson here is to put your spouse ahead of yourself, always! To be there for them in the way they need you (not in the way you need them). To maintain individuality and privacy and to always appreciate every little thing.

They are my inspiration for what an ideal marriage looks like. They're my inspiration.

Who's your inspiration?

Cheers!