BY MICHAEL FINDLAY, STAR Writer
IN A recent interview with Edward and Maude Walters, a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, I sought to extract the key ingredients that would make for the recipe in any good marriage. What I found was very interesting, and I will attempt to itemise them, but not in any order of importance.
The first thing that struck me was that this couple had similar backgrounds, having grown up together in the rustic community of Watermount, St. Catherine, where they met at the tender age of six. They are now both 77 years old. They also shared common values coming from a time when Jamaica was a kinder and gentler society.
CLOSE FRIENDS
The next thing I noticed was that the Walters were close friends long before they became lovers. This I think is key in that they knew each others shortcomings and failings as well as the good points. This created a level of understanding between them which led to a mature approach in solving any dispute that arose. This was confirmed in the interview when they advised couples not to go to bed angry with each other.
Thus they learned to love in spite of arguments, which is very important for any sustaining relationship.
Another ingredient was communication, and this played out constantly in the interview, when it seemed like they could finish each other's sentences. I observed a lot of body language was constantly used mixed with sincere affection.
HONESTY AND TRUST
Two other key ingredients by their account were honesty and trust. Having lived in England for more than a generation, there were many times when they were separated out of necessity, due to travelling arrangements and it was important that trust was ever present during those times.
Mr. Walters also stressed that patience was of utmost importance and this can become evident when this recognised virtue is practised in times when rash decisions could have lead to marital distress.
FINANCIALLY SUPPORTIVE
In any relationship, the subject of finance is key, though we might try to lessen its importance.
The Walters emphasised that couples should be financially supportive of each other, as exemplified during their courtship, when Mr. Walters refused to propose to his wife until he had acquired a home for them both.
To cap it off, this golden couple believe that God should be the centre of any relationship and that a spiritual base is essential. Furthermore, the Walters stated that couples should abide by and honour their marital commitments.
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