Recipe For A Happy Marriage

In the forty-three years I've been married to my high school sweetheart, I've learned that it takes a lot of work to keep a marriage alive and healthy. There's a poem I came across a few years ago that captured for me the essence of the inner workings of a happy marriage. I framed the poem and hung it in our laundry room, a space we use often. Every once in a while I stop to reread it, to remind myself of its ingredients. For me, there was a touch of magic in this inspirational poem. I hope you love it as much as I did.

Recipe For a Happy Marriage

1 cup consideration
1 cup courtesy
2 cupfuls flattery carefully concealed
2 cupfuls milk of human kindness
1 gallon faith and trust in each other
2 cupfuls praise
1 small pinch of in-laws
1 reasonable budget,
a generous dash of cooperation
3 teaspoons pure extract of "I'm sorry"
1 cup of contentment
1 cup each of confidence and encouragement
1 large or several small hobbies
1 cup of blindness to the other's faults

Flavor with frequent portions of recreation and a dash of happy memories. Stir well and remove any specks of jealousy, temper, or criticism. Sweeten well with generous portions of love and keep warm with a steady flame of devotion. Never serve with a cold shoulder or hot tongue.

Serves:  Two

Yields:  One Happy Couple

- Author Unknown