ARTHUR & MARGIE
Married 5th May 1973
Springvale, Victoria
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Arthur & Margie met a school dance in the Springvale Town Hall when they were just 15 years old. They welcomed me into their home so warmly that evening, and it became clear that welcoming people into their home was something they absolutely adored doing, and the act of which had been very much a part of their lives. Barely adults themselves, Arthur & Margie spent their early years together running a coffee shop that helped to support homeless youth, and as a result they had many of the people that they met along the way staying in their home which meant a very full house at all times; lots of chaotic times and a whole lot of love spread around. This open-doors-full-house attitude continued as they started their own family (three daughters) and still continues today as grandparents, and it was a very special thing to be on the receiving end of their welcoming hospitality to garner some pearls of wisdom from this humble power-couple.
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What are your secrets to a long lasting marriage?
“Really putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, lots of patience and a willingness to really stick it out together.” – Margie
“And backing out of an argument even when you know you’re right. She also lets me buy Harleys.” – Arthur
“But you have worked very hard, you deserve those.” – Margie
What do you love most about each other?
“The way that she has put up with me for 40 odd years – no really – I’m not easy to get along with.” – Arthur
“Apart from being so sensitive and loving – which people don’t often see on the exterior – his amazing work ethic, he works so hard and the girls have learned that, too.” – Margie
What do you love most about yourselves as a couple?
“The way that we share our house with our family and friends, and the fact that we have so many quality long-term friends, from right back when we were first married, we love people coming to stay. I’m also proud of the house we’ve built; the building and the people within it – our family.” – Arthur
What has been your most valuable lesson learned from your time together?
“Don’t buy a 5 year warranty pack on the bike.” – Arthur (hahaha!)
“To have patience, and also, when you first start off together you want to do everything together all the time, but we’ve learned that each other needs their space and their own things; it’s really important to have togetherness and separateness – a good balance.” – Margie
Any parting words of advice?
“Don’t go to bed angry.” – Arthur
“And really talk things through, because you can really work things up in your mind.” – Margie
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Have you, or someone you know, been married for 25+ years? I’d love to bring my camera to come and meet you!
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