In romantic fiction, happy endings are a given. However, one of the reasons I enjoy writing (and reading) epilogues, as well as books in a series, is because I can dip into the lives of characters after the main story ends and they’re living their happy ever after (HEA).
In the book I’m currently writing, the heroine’s mother gives her advice about love and marriage. As such, I’ve thought about some of the motherly (and grandmotherly) advice I’ve received—words of wisdom that still impact my life and, sometimes, also make their way into my fiction.
Don’t worry about the wedding, worry about the marriage
Marriage is hard work but thanks to that work, I’ve learned lessons about myself, as well as the man I married.
While I’ll never be the most patient person, I’ve learned to be more flexible and compromise for the greater good.
I’ve also learned about teamwork, although with Tech Guy that doesn’t extend to sharing a closet, a suitcase, or taking ballroom dancing lessons together. Compromise only goes so far and I have my limits—and he knows them!
Choose a man who will wear well in the wash
Like fast fashion, flashy men come and go, but for durability and longevity, the man who is good husband material is like a piece of classic tailoring—suitable for all life seasons and able to withstand even the strongest storms.
Tech Guy was my rock through a difficult pregnancy with English Rose, the deaths of both my parents, work crises large and small and, for an endless fifteen months, an unexpected long-distance marriage. He’s also my strength and comfort in helping English Rose cope with a debilitating (and currently incurable) chronic medical condition. 
There’s a bit of his stability and goodness in every hero I write, and through storms that would have felled many lesser men, he hasn’t wavered.
Like Sean Carmichael, the hero of my first book, The Cottage at Firefly Lake, my Tech Guy “has broad shoulders, and there’s no shame in leaning on those shoulders” when I need to.
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar
Kind words reinforce a loving bond; harsh words weaken it.
While Tech Guy isn’t the best or most voluble communicator, I know he always means well. And just as he tries to find the best in me, I seek the best in him even under trying circumstances—such as his reluctance to ask for directions.
Like all couples, we disagree (and if he ever remembers to tuck his chair back under a table after a meal it will be a minor miracle), but we also don’t go to bed angry with each other.
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst
After the wedding cake is eaten, the dress packed away, and photos tucked in an album, real life, with its twists, turns and potholes beckons.
As my mother often said, “it’s good we can’t see what lies ahead.” Life and sometimes tragedy happen, and few couples will celebrate fifty-six years of marriage as two members of my church community did several weeks ago.
Yet, no matter what the future brings, I’m blessed to have Tech Guy by my side. And on 13 May, we’ll mark the twenty-third anniversary of our engagement, the beginning of our own HEA journey.
At a hospital appointment several months ago, I watched as an elderly man gently pushed his frail, grey-haired wife in a wheelchair. Seeing those two together, still very much in love, reminded me of what I hope for in my own life.
Not a romance novel, but lifelong love, trust, respect, and devotion—the happiest HEA of all.
I loved this!!!
Thank you, Linda. I appreciate you reading my blog and am glad you enjoyed this post.
I loved this too, and agree with all of it (even the pushing in the chair–and in my case, the closing of closet doors).
Thanks, Jennifer. Why am I not surprised we have these points of commonality?! English Rose is the one who leaves closet doors open in my family!
You and Tech Guy have something very special and you have both been willing to work at…Good advice too! Wishing you both many more, loving, years!
Thank you, Lynn. Tech Guy and I appreciate your good wishes.
What a lovely blog, Jen. Congratulations on your engagement anniversary. How lovely that you pop a bit of Tech Guy’s strength and kindness into each of your heroes. Your relationship with him has been tested in various ways and found to be strong and true. What more could you want? …Well, obviously, for him to tuck his chair under the table after meals…
Thank for your good wishes, Susanna and, as always, your support of my blog. It’s funny…when Tech Guy isn’t here (as you know he works in Toronto during the week), I miss having to tuck his chair in!
Jen – your blogs always bring me to emotional tears. I’m a sap for romance and happily-ever-afters, certainly in life, and also in books. My parents had a 64 year marriage before my dad dies just before his 92 birthday, Here’s to long-lasting HEAs for you and Tech Guy and anyone else in a relationship.
What a lovely thing to say about my blog, Delsora. Thank you! I’m so pleased you’re enjoying my posts. And your parents’ long marriage is an inspiration. Tech Guy and I appreciate your good wishes too.
I always refrained from reading storybook “And they lived happily ever after” endings to our young children. Perhaps I’m far too practical, but I always wanted them to understand that relationships (real ones, anyway) are hard work, challenging and (sometimes) gritty. Those relationships are worthwhile and fulfilling, but they’re not easy, and should never be taken for granted. A grateful heart goes a long way to building a strong marriage, as you pointed out. After all, a strong union is a long-distance event, not a sprint!
I appreciate your perspective on childhood reading, Heidi. I tried to choose books for English Rose that gave us opportunities to discuss life…and used the story as a starting point for that. I love your use of the words “grateful heart” as they are so true for all aspects of life. Thanks for reading and commenting.