Intellectual stimulation. The same background. Partnership. Humor. Unprintably good sex. Longtime wives tell O what drew (and still draws) them to their husbands and offer advice to the young and un-hooked-up.

Janice and Stanley Weintraub


Ages: Both 62

Years married: 35

Occupations: Part-time dental hygienist; Realtor

How did you know he was the one? I believed in him. He didn't have a job, he wasn't a college grad and I was, but I saw his potential. I saw that he was loving, caring, and very interested in me. He had all the traits to be a good husband and father. He was a good salesman—he sold me!

What's made it last? Having a sense of humor. He taught me that, too, though I am still not a hundred percent there yet.

Advice? Choose your battles and understand that as you change, your mate also changes. You have to involve yourself in different activities and hobbies so you don't become boring, and you have to realize that you don't marry one person—you marry the entire family.
From the February 2003 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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