Married for 81 yrs, couple says secret is regular rows

Updated on: 27 May,2009 08:01 AM IST |
Agencies |

Frank (101) and Anita Milford (100) got married in 1928 after meeting at a dance

Frank (101) and Anita Milford (100) got married in 1928 after meeting at a dance

Frank (101) and Anita Milford (100) celebrate their 81st wedding anniversary today.

Congrats! Frank and Anita Milford make time for a little romance every day

The Milfords tied the knot on May 26, 1928, after meeting at a YMCA dance in Plymouth, UK. The couple say that they still have daily squabbles. "Not big rows, just the odd cross word," said Anita. "As far as I'm concerned, it's healthy."

Golden rules

However, as well as "a little argument", "a little romance" was also essential, she said.

"It's our golden rule," said Anita. "Couples these days don't last long because they often don't take enough time for each other. There just isn't enough respect love is about give and take. Our advice to young couples would be to make time for a little romance every day."

Frank added, "To win over your sweetheart you need a dose of old-fashioned chivalry and don't let your standards slip. I don't know where the years have gone by. It's marvellous really."

The couple's two children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren will gather today to celebrate the occasion.

Their son, Frank Jnr (74) said, "They spend most of their time together, with dad being almost completely deaf and blind, so it's very difficult for him. Mum is a chatterbox and nothing has changed there." u2014 Agencies

Did you know?
The world record is held by a couple in India, Sir Temulji Bhicaji Nariman and Lady Nariman, who were married for 87 years from 1853 to 1940.

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