Four Long Island Couples Share Valentine's Day Stories of Forever Love

This Valentine’s Day, Patch interviewed four wonderful Long Island couples who’ve been together for decades, asking them the secrets and tips to a lifetime of enduring love.

Their rich memories were alive with detail, and there were common ties and themes that bound their collective experiences together.

All agreed that laughter is key in a relationship — and most said they felt maintaining individual space and interests was important. Now living in Peconic Landing, a retirement community in Greenport, it’s not the careers they’ve polished or the possessions they’ve amassed that color their memories with joy.

Instead, all light up as they talk about trips they’ve taken around the world, the fun they’ve found in dancing and cruising and just savoring the quiet times, the togetherness and joy in sharing a conversation or precious moments with their children and grandchildren.

One woman said when given a choice between her photo albums and her books, which were vying for space on a shelf, the photo albums won, hands down.

Photographs and memories, and the singular joy of having shared forever with the love of their lives — that’s what’s made these couples truly grateful for their romances not just on Valentine’s Day, but each and every day of their lives.

Here are their stories:

• Married Almost 69 Years, Couple Still Living Love Story
• Wife, Minister Who’s Performed More than 1,000 Weddings Share Keys to Happy Marriage
• Married Almost 70 Years, Couple Shares Valentine’s Day Love Story
• Montauk Sweethearts Married 39 Years Share Secrets to Longtime Love