Background

Sean Riley and I attended The Summit Country Day School together in Cincinnati, OH, in the 1990s.

(Wow, that was a LONG time ago).

Nonetheless, the ladies thought Sean was that nice, large, lovable teddy bear that was nice, gentle, warm and sweet.  The fellas knew the real side of Sean.  Plus, as an offensive lineman in high school football, none of the previously mentioned adjectives existed in Sean’s on-field personality.

Despite the rough and large exterior, Sean was definitely a kind-hearted gentleman.  I recently reconnected with Sean on Facebook and asked him some questions regarding his new marriage.

Interview

The majority of marriages today are “here today, gone tomorrow.”  What have you learned and implemented to maintain such a lasting relationship?

Beth and I have not implemented anything special.  We got to know each other before we were married and made a commitment.  It’s not easy to keep, but we focus on our commitment to each other and that we both generally like each other.

What advice would you give someone interested in getting married?

Make sure you know the person as best you can but understand that you will never know everything about the other person and keep yourself flexible as personalities will change.

What is the difference between listening and hearing your spouse?

Paying attention and not paying attention.

Why do you think married couples do not stay together?

They do not have the same goals in life.  Conflicting objectives lead to couples growing in two different directions.

What is the difference between love and staying in love?

Flexibility.  Relationships change.  Knowing that both you and your spouse will change, but understanding that the core values the person represents will stay the same keeps your love for the other person changing.