How long have you been married?
Richard & Emily: 12 years, 11 months
How did you meet?
Richard &Emily: We met at Emily’s work office.
What were your first impressions of each other?
Richard: I was surprised that she was an African-American which is a rarity among brokers. I thought she was very organized, professional and pretty.
Emily: I thought he was well-dressed and professional. He was easy-going, intelligent and handsome.
What made you want to get married?
Richard and Emily: We knew we were in love and it was time to take the next step.
How did you propose?
Richard: Over dinner.
How does your faith play into your marriage?
Richard and Emily: It is very important. We are both Methodist Christians. “A house divided cannot stand.”
Do you have any marriage survival tips?
Richard and Emily: Weigh your problems and never let anything be bigger than your love for each other.
How do you keep the fire burning in your relationship?
Richard and Emily: You have to maintain your physical condition. We also have date night every Friday night, usually Mexican food.
Is there anything you would do differently looking back on your marriage?
Richard and Emily: Not a thing
Why do you think African Americans have the lowest marriage rate, but the highest divorce rate?
Richard and Emily: I think a lot of it has to do with economic division, not willing to be being committed enough and definitely a change in values.
If you were giving advice to a couple who wanted to get married, what would you say?
Richard and Emily: Make sure you like as well as love the person. Never go to bed angry. Ask yourself the following: 1) Are you sure you love each other?; 2) Can you support your family?; 3) Are you fully educated on the person?
What does marriage mean to you?
Richard and Emily: Marriage is happiness, security, togetherness, sharing dreams, hopes and love and always being there for each other.