Longest Married Couple Share 'Secret' for Happy Marriage
Wilbur and Theresa Faiss, aged 100 and 96, respectively, are one of the longest-wed couples after being married for 78 years- and now they've won an award for it.
The happy couple has been celebrated for their commitment by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, an organization dedicated to showcasing and enriching marriages throughout the United States. Out of 256 nominations nationwide, the Faisses will be honored Feb. 11 in their home town of Las Vegas, Nev.
"What an inspiration Mr. and Mrs. Faiss are to all of us. They made a commitment to each other 78 years ago and they have kept that commitment over these many years. They truly are a sign of hope to us all," said Scott and Karen Seaborn, the leaders of WWME's Ecclesial team, in a press release.
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Faiss shared his secret to a happy marriage with the Las Vegas Review Journal in an interview earlier this year.
"Compromise. Whether you are in a marriage or politics, that's the big secret," said the 100-year-old.
Faiss knows a great deal about compromise, being one of America's oldest living legislators. He was a state senator from 1976 to 1984.
Even though he identified himself as a Democrat, Faiss constantly showcased his ability to be positive, even when others were being negative.
"Always look on the good side of people. … I never dealt on the negative side of politicians, whether they were Democrat, Republican, or independent. They were all good people," Faiss explained.
Apparently, that attitude works for marriage just as effectively. Faiss met his wife in 1930 at a roller rink in Centralia, Ill.- he claims it was "love at first sight"- and the two were wed just three years later, on April 14, 1933.
"What a privilege and honor it is to recognize Wilbur and Theresa Faiss for their commitment to marriage," said the Seaborns.
To further memorialize the couple's longstanding vows to each other, they have a school named after them. Wilbur and Theresa Faiss Middle School has been operational since 2007.
The Faisses have three children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
