Loves That Last
Relationship books and classes are great, but there is no single formula to making a union work.
Five local couples reveal how they met, why it works, and what makes their hearts skip a beat.


Cris and Jeanette Stavros

Years married: 53 in May.

How you met: "We met at the Greek Orthodox Church downtown," explains Jeanette. "I thought he was the most gorgeous man but a little out of my league. After months of gazing at him I decided to go to one of his softball games. I didn’t think he knew who I was but he approached me after the game. I was soooo nervous but in the end I got my man. The rest is history."

The key to a successful marriage is: Jeanette says, "I would have to say the respect we have for each other. I don’t think a marriage can last if you don’t have respect and trust for your spouse."

Your favorite memory/quirk of your spouse? "His consistency," says Jeanette. "For as long as I’ve known this man he must have his ten hours of sleep. I don’t care where we are, when the clock hits 8pm he is in bed without a care in the world. Vacations, family get-togethers, anything. That clock hits 8 and you have lost Mr. Stavros. Then up at 6am to conquer the world. There is no changing this. I don’t care who you are!"

Any romantic anecdote you’d like to share: "The surprises and our alone time," replies Jeanette. "He is always going out of his way to do things for me. Whether it’s a gift or a trip or just a simple friendly gesture, he is always doing the little things to let me know he cares. You know you have found your true love when there is nothing more in the world you want to do but light a fire and watch a great movie in the arms of your spouse."


Jahja Ling and Jessie Chang

Years married: 7.

How they met: While living in Cleveland, he was invited to conduct for a concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of Chinese Community Church of New York in New York City; she was also singing in the choir for that event. He was mesmerized by her beauty and attentiveness and found her number through his resource and called her within a few days. They had endless conversations on the phone for a couple of weeks and decided to meet again in Cleveland.

The key to a successful marriage is: "Commitment and communication," says Jahja.

Something that people don’t know about your spouse that they should know: "She loves eating, especially desserts, but still manages to wear size 2! And after two kids!" exclaims Jahja.


Jerry Pikolysky and Lee Clark

Years married: 10.

How they met: They met in 1986 at a Christmas Eve party in Beverly Hills. Everyone was asked to take a picture with Santa Claus. They both sat on Santa’s knees and Santa asked what they wanted for Christmas. Jerry said he wanted Lee for a present and voila!

Every marriage has ups and downs — what’s the secret to getting through the tough times? They reply, "Understanding each other and not letting momentary disputes interfere with long-term loving commitments."

Something that people don’t know about your spouse that they should know: Lee says, "Jerry loves God’s creatures and will save them by returning them to their nests or releasing them to nature." Jerry says, "Lee loves to entertain and will fly around the globe to attend Veuve Clicquot parties."

Daily motto: "Love, like bread, should be made fresh every day."

Bertrand and Denise Hug

Years married: 34.

How you met: "We met in the restaurant he was working in on the East Coast," explains Denise. "I was with a date and some friends. Bertrand, shy person that he is, introduced himself to us and proceeded to buy my date one beer after another hoping he would eventually have to head for the head. He did, and Bertrand made his move."

What you value most in the other: "Her joy for life," says Bertrand.

Your favorite memory/quirk of your spouse: "Bertrand getting locked out of our two-story condo at the time completely naked," says Denise. "He would always walk around in the buff and I would complain about the neighbors seeing him. His response, ‘Oh Duhneeeez, what do I care what the neighbors think.’ Well, one morning he went outside to get the newspaper, naked of course, and the door closed and locked after him. I thought I would have a little fun and when I heard him yelling to get in, I simply ran downstairs close to the door and asked, ‘Who is it?’ I let him sweat for a little bit."

Something that people don’t know about your spouse that they should know: "She gets up every morning with a smile on her face and a great, happy attitude — the birds, the bees, the doggies, everything is beautiful," says Bertrand.

Harry and Valerie Cooper

Years married: 221/2 years together,
111/2 years married.

Every marriage has ups and downs — what’s the secret to getting through the tough times? "Lucky for us, we have never have had those tough times," says Valerie. "It goes along like this
being wonderful but we do not worry about it because it gets better."

Something that people don’t know about your spouse that they should know: "Harry loves black ties parties!" exclaims Valerie.

Any romantic anecdote you’d like to share? Every day is a day to celebrate, one should not just wait until Valentine’s Day to be romantic," says Valerie. "My own special romantic story is when our 20th anniversary of bliss came around. Harry surprised me with a gift buried at the bottom of a very large bowl of kettle corn, I had no idea, and yes I ate all that kettle corn, feeling a little sick afterwards but feeling so lucky I am married to such a romantic man."

 


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