Some couples make “happily ever after” seem so easy. They seem so confident and grounded in their relationship and to genuinely enjoy spending time together. They know how to laugh together and share life’s moments together.

Not like every day is a piece of cake. Plenty of serious stuff happens in every relationship but it is the attitude these couples have while dealing with those issues that makes their marriage stand out and keeps their bond strong.

Couples like this are inspiring to others, especially those who have enjoyed many years together like those we interviewed for this week’s sweetheart stories. Both the Schoppetts in Newman and the Perretts in Gustine have seen their share of struggles with finances, family and health....yet they don’t see them as struggles. They both said they have been blessed with a wonderful life and a loving relationship, and what life has thrown their way they have taken in stride, dealt with together, and moved on, keeping focus on what is most important...their relationship, their family and their faith.

The key elements to their relationship? Respect, trust and a sense of humor.

These couples deeply respect one another as individuals and respect the commitment they made to each other. They have differences of opinion, they can discuss different views and ideas but it is just that, a discussion, a difference and they move on.

They treat each other with kindness and they speak about each other with kindness.

They genuinely, sincerely, wholeheartedly love each other, and there’s nothing more important to them than each other. And it’s evident.

They are not all gushy or mushy about it. Their love shows outwardly to others by the way they look at each other, the way they talk about each other, just the way they are present for each other.

I think everyone can probably picture a couple they know who is inspiring. The charming older couple walking hand in hand, the couple who tenderly helps each other get out of the car, or who share those secret glances across the room. Couples like this seem so connected they don’t have to say anything; their expressions towards one another say it all. These couples are wonderful role models for all of us and remind us how precious our time together is.

Marriage is work, it’s a daily decision to love the other person even when it’s not the best of days, and it’s a commitment.

One I am happy to make each day with my wonderful husband.