Sample Chapter

A Short Guide for the
Long Marriage

Preface
 

Whenever I reveal the length of my marriage, people often seem amazed. Most want to know how I accomplished such a feat in an age where the divorce rate remains consistently high. After encountering this sense of amazement on a regular basis, I began to ask myself, “how did I do that?” In retrospect, I was able to glean four characteristics that have been prevalent throughout my marriage, patience, admiration, commitment, and endurance. I also realized that all of these qualities are linked together, that they are seminal parts of the whole attitude needed to sustain a lasting relationship. This is not a clinical guide to a better or longer marriage. Enough of those are already in existence. This is a realistic portrait of a marriage that will show the developments of these characteristics that have held together a union of two very different, ambitious and driven individuals, who have weathered the challenges of marriage and the storms of life and yet have remained interwoven, still standing.

I therefore challenge all, after reading this book, to strive to ensure that these characteristics are in your relationship. Patience, admiration, commitment and endurance (P.A.C.E.) is an indisputable formula for marital longevity. As a trained lawyer, I do not make assertions lightly or without the existence of the tangible evidence. My 38 year marriage is the evidence. Before anyone can dispute me, they must try the formula. If anyone, after reading this manual, will dare to apply P.A.C.E to their relationship, the improvement and contentment will be immeasurable.

This book is short; short enough to be read at various intervals, at home, on a plane, train, or during lunch breaks. It is also applicable to those who may engage in a relationship without the benefit of a marriage license. It is for all couples who endeavor, in this age of modernity and social pressure, to have a long and lasting relationship. In this contemporary society where human rights is always a concern, the relationship of marriage should be of paramount importance as couples unite for a better life, so that the world in which they live will be enhanced also.
 

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