Photo: Courtesy of Liz Bien and Alan Gewirtz

Liz Bien and Alan Gewirtz

Ages: 52 and 53

Years married: 25

Occupations: University administrator; professor of medicine

How did you know he was the one? We went to school together; he was one of my closest friends.

What's made it last? I always say that it's because he's slightly deaf and legally blind. That we're very different is helpful—when he's down in the dumps I'm up, and when I'm down he's usually optimistic. You also have to admire the person you marry. He has to be smart and funny. Alan makes me laugh.

Advice? Pick your battles. But it helps to fight, because it's good to get it out in the open rather than let it simmer. I don't believe in being passive-aggressive.