24 June, 2022 ·
Less than a minute read
What’s the secret to a happy married life?
In this blog, our care home resident, Fred, and his wife, Monica, are sharing insight into what makes a successful, long and happy marriage.
After first meeting under Victoria Arch in Woking, whilst sheltering from the rain, Fred and Monica’s love blossomed into nothing short of a fairytale.
To celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary, we’re sharing the romantic details of their love story, as they offer tips on how to achieve to a happy married life:
↑Fred & Monica
Happy Married Life: Meet Fred & Monica
For their first date, Fred took Monica to the pictures when she was just 16. Two years later, they got engaged, but waited until Monica turned 21 before they tied the knot.
They then married at Christ Church in Woking - a beautiful building that provided a stunning backdrop for their big day - in front of their closest family and friends. Monica recalled how special the day was - and how she’d even grown her own red roses for her bouquet. After the ceremony, the pair travelled to Camber Sands for a romantic honeymoon together.
Once settled into married life, the happy couple started a tradition together; sitting down in the evenings to make rugs. They said this was a wonderful way to bond and share quality time with one another.
Monica said, “For our anniversary, we’d always go to a nice restaurant and Fred would buy me a special gift - often gold. For our big anniversaries - 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 65th - we hired a marquee and had a big soiree in the garden to celebrate.”
She recalled that, despite going all out for their anniversaries, they never really celebrated Valentine’s Day. She said, “Fred says he loves me every day, not just one day a year!”
↑A Happy Married Life
The Secret to Happy Married Life
Fred said, “The secret to a long-lasting marriage is living a healthy lifestyle and listening to each other.
“We had Sarah four years after we married which was wonderful, and we went on many amazing holidays - the most memorable being a 3-month trip to Japan, Australia and Hong Kong! But everything about our marriage was the best bit.”
We asked the couple what they love most about each other, and Monica said, “I love Fred's bright blue eyes.”
Fred just smiled and squeezed Monica's hand.
The pair have lived a happy and fulfilling life together. They claim that their biggest achievements were travelling around the world together, buying their home, having their daughter, having fun, and being content.
Monica said, “We’d never been apart before, and things have only changed in recent years because Fred moved into Kings Lodge. We then couldn’t see each other because of COVID.
“In all our 72 years together, we’ve never had cross words. Fred told my dad that he would always look after me, and he has."
↑A Happy Married Life: Vow Renewal
Fred & Monica’s Advice for Newlyweds
Monica said, “If I had to give advice to a newly married couple, I would tell them not to worry about money. It doesn’t make you happy. I’d also say that it helps to organise and make plans. Communication is also very important - but I’m the boss!”
The couple have said that they enjoy spending time together, tending to the garden. However, for their next anniversary, they’d like to do a skydive and try a race track experience day! With our ethos being to create happiness daily here at CHD, we may just have to arrange something…
To find out more about Fred & Monica, why not read our previous blog, sharing exclusive details of their intimate vow renewal last year?
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a care home for your loved one, then please contact a member of our team.
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