How long have you been married?
Jasmine: It’ll be a year in April.
How did you guys meet?
Jasmine: We met at Columbus State University.
What were your first impressions of each other? [Both Laughing]
Jasmine: Not good, actually. We both thought the other person was rude.
Atrevis: Especially her. [Laughs]
What made you want to get married?
Jasmine: To be honest, our passion guided our decision. Even though it was sudden, we both had an instant, almost natural connection and knew, with time, we would gain a deeper understanding of each other with time.
How did you propose?
Atrevis: [Laughing]. I proposed to her while she was watching her favorite television show.
Jasmine: I didn’t know what he was doing at first, so I was more focused on the show than him. It wasn’t until the commercial break that I realized he was proposing to me. I couldn’t believe it! I was so excited!
How does your faith play into your marriage?
Jasmine: Faith plays a big part, being that my husband is Atheist. At times, I find myself praying for him.
Atrevis: It’s a major difference in our lives. It’s a struggle at but we are working on it. We want to keep our beliefs, but at the same time, come to a point of understanding, rather than judging.
Do you have any marriage survival tips?
Jasmine: Yes, Communication is key in a marriage you have to communicate.
Atrevis: Definitely. I’m a quiet person, so I’ve been learning to open up more and openly communicate my thoughts and feelings.
How do you keep the fire burning in your relationship?
Jasmine: By being spontaneous
Atrevis: Yes, you can’t let it get stale, especially, so early in our marriage.
Is there anything you would do differently looking back on your marriage?
Jasmine: Yes, I would have waited a little longer so that I could get to know him better.
Atrevis: I agree. We find ourselves learning both similarities and difference, which we should’ve known beforehand.
Why do you think African Americans have the lowest marriage rate, but the largest divorce rate?
Jasmine: Nobody sees the value or purpose of marriage anymore.
Atrevis: Also, people aren’t willing to put forth the effort to work differences out. They rather quit than go through the rough times’ not realizing it is those tough times that make the good times even better.
If you were giving advice to a couple who wanted to get married, what would you say?
Jasmine: My advice would be take the counseling sessions before getting married.
Atrevis: I would say discuss the goals of your marriage.
What does marriage mean to you?
Jasmine: Marriage means a bond between two people that are deeply in love with one another.