Defying the trend that has recently been reported in the news,

[MineralMan]

My wife and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary today. We got married on the Winter Solstice because we knew the days would start getting longer and the weather would get warmer. In the meantime, we keep each other warm and happy. Perhaps marriage is not for everyone, but it should be available to everyone who wants it. No loving couple should be denied it.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. Marriage is a beautiful thing. Congratulations! It is so good to hear happy thoughts. nt

[MineralMan]

3. Thanks!

I just wish my wife's cousin and his partner could marry in the state of Minnesota, where they live. They've been together for 20 years, too.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

9. :( Maybe soon? nt

[MineralMan]

10. I certainly hope so.

[Wait Wut]

2. Congratulations to you and your...

...obviously patient and tolerant wife!

Kidding. Seriously, that's beautiful. And, yes...everyone should have the right to share their lives in any way they wish.

[MineralMan]

4. Oh, tolerance and patience are a must for both people in a marriage.

Two failed marriages taught me that very well.

[Wait Wut]

6. I half agree.

I fully admit that I have a problem with patience and tolerance. The husband has a double dose.

[Tikki]

5. Congratulations and you are correct...

Marriage should be for loving, committed, consenting couples.

The Tikkis

[MineralMan]

13. Thanks. We can do it

if we work to get like-minded legislators elected. That's one of my reasons for continuing to try to do just that.

[livetohike]

7. Happy 20th Anniversary!

May you have many, many more years together .

[MineralMan]

8. As many as we can manage, I'm sure.

I'm a geezer, so you never know.

[99Forever]

11. Congratultions and I concur. n/t

[MineralMan]

12. Thanks very much.

We'll just have to keep working on it.

[99Forever]

16. Yes we will.

And you keep working on that marriage, like I know you will.

[zbdent]

14. Mrs. ZBDent and I will be celebrating 22 years in a few months.

While my "hard-right, conservative" brother and his wife divorced after 12 years or so ...

He's 2.5 years older than me, and was still living with our parents until the day he was married ... which happened, of course, one year after I got married (to my ONLY wife, unlike Newt Gingrich or many Republicans, except for, oddly enough, Mormon Romney).

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. We just celebrated our 13th

[MineralMan]

20. Yay! Good deal.

[gkhouston]

17. Happy Anniversary.

I'm afraid my wedding date was chosen purely for less interesting reasons. We contacted all our close family and friends and said, "during this four month window, when could you make it to our wedding?" and picked the day based on that.

[MineralMan]

23. We didn't ask about the date, but everyone showed up anyhow.

It was a great party. We got married under the big acacia tree in our front yard, then ate about 12 dozen fresh tamales made by my mother. A fine California December day. Now, we live in Minnesota. No outdoor weddings here in December, for sure.

[dana_b]

18. Happy anniversary!

You are so right - it should be available to all.

[MineralMan]

22. Thanks so much!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. Well, now that the honeymoon is over the hard part begins.

30 years here. Third marriage for both of us.

[MineralMan]

21. That's what I keep hearing.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

24. Congrats MM. To you and your spouse.

Patience, understanding, cooperation, and a good sense of humor are essential. Not to mention learning when to keep one's mouth shut.

[Zorra]

25. Well done, MM!

Congratulations, and may you and your wife be in love and together forever.

[MineralMan]

26. Forever, or as long as possible, anyhow. Thanks!