By Anna Skinner
Valentine’s Day is a time for couples to take a moment to appreciate each other and reflect on the good times. Three local couples did just that and dished out a few tips for those seeking advice on relationship health and longevity.
KATHERINE COLE AND DEREK DOLEN
Katherine Cole and Derek Dolen recently got engaged after dating through high school. Cole currently attends Indiana University, and Dolen is a student at Purdue University, but the couple doesn’t let their conflicting colleges get in the way of their relationship.
“Take it seriously,” Cole advised other couples. “Don’t assume that you’re going to break up in six months, especially for younger couples. We were 15 when we started dating and took it seriously the whole time, and now we’re getting married.”
Dolen credits the couple’s success to communication.
“Communication is important but equally important is listening, especially in a long distance relationship,” he said.
JON AND DAWN KNIGHT
The Knights also met in high school and will be married for 20 years this summer. They agree with Cole and Dolen on the communication aspect, but have other advice as well.
“We make a lot of time for each other no matter how busy we get with kids and jobs and things that pull you away. We always make time,” Dawn said.
One common tip for relationships, never going to bed angry, has proven helpful in the couple’s longevity.
“It’s made for some long nights occasionally,” Dawn joked.
The couple owns Grand Junction Brewery together and agrees the business is one of their hobbies since they both love beer.
Jon said making quality time for each other doesn’t have to be anything fancy, and even running errands together can be an adventure.
“Marry someone who is also a friend,” Dawn said. “We love each other, but we are also best friends and that helps a lot.”
“Never make any disparaging comments about your better half to other people,” Jon added. “Only talk about your significant other in a positive light.”
MARK AND LINDA KEEN
Mark and Linda Keen met in Missouri when Mark hired Linda for a job in special education. Years later, the two realized they were better off as a couple.
“I can’t remember not being married to Mark,” Linda said.
Linda said something couples need to realize is that people change over the years.
“I think the most important thing is you have to understand that people don’t stay the same,” she said. “My advice would be to recognize that in a marriage, both people have to be happy, satisfied and fulfilled as individuals before they can be fulfilled as a couple.”
In terms of interests, the couple shares one strong, unique one. They compete together as what Mark deems “amateur ballroom dancers.”
“As far as the dancing goes, it has given us an activity that we both enjoy doing together,” Linda said. “Which I think is important in a marriage. In order to do it, we have to work together as a team which carries over into other parts of our marriage as well.”
The couple takes dance lessons at Aurelia Dance Studio in Westfield.
What advice would you give other couples?
Kat and Derek: Communication, taking the relationship seriously.
The Knights: Making time for each other, never going to bed angry, find a friend in your spouse.
The Keens: Evolve with the significant other instead of as an individual, enjoying activities together to strengthen the marriage.
