WASHINGTON – When the longest-married couple in America gives relationship advice, you should probably listen.
John and Ann Betar, of Fairfield, Conn., have been married 81 years, and they told TV station WFSB that marriage “isn’t a lovey dovey thing for 80 years,” in Ann Betar’s words. “You learn to accept one another’s ways of life, agreements, disagreements.”
They had a pretty romantic beginning, though: The two grew up in the same Syrian neighborhood in Bridgeport, Conn., and Ann’s father had arranged to have her marry another man, 20 years her elder.
The two eloped to New York and got married Nov. 25, 1932. Their families said it wouldn’t last. They’re 98 and 102 and have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
It’s probably going to last.
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