Next March Wendy and I will be celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary; both of us were married before but sadly you cannot carry “credits” into the subsequent marriage – ah well.

A young bride recently exploded with surprise that I had been married some 42 years altogether; I was touched by her kindness and immediately asked her the condition of her eyesight.

Inevitably things can become commonplace, people and needs can be taken for granted so a recent incident on vacation was specially treasured by us.

Because of the generosity of friends (and despite the horrid nature of Southwest Airlines) we were enjoying a wonderful vacation at Cabos San Lucas, Mexico. Sunday evening we dined at Sharkey’s – the food, the ambience was delicious. Towards the end of our meal, a fellow diner left his large family party and approached our table. This was a man of great physical substance, especially overpowering to us as we were seated.

With a soft and welcoming Texan accent he apologized for intruding and said that he wanted, on behalf, of his family to tell us how much we were obviously in love. What could we say but thank you; I hope he remembers to contact us sometime, we would enjoy visiting Waco.

Of course Wendy and I were “chuffed” to receive this compliment from a stranger and we talked about what indicated to the family that we were “obviously in love”.

I still wonder. From time to time we reached across the table, touched and held hands. As usual, we laughed and smiled a lot (generally at the same time and about the same thing). We talked, we listened and in moments of silence we felt no awkwardness but truly enjoyed the opportunity to be together.

Something similar happened to us not too many years ago walking through an airport; an attractive woman of great presence approached us and said almost the same thing as did our Texan friend.

In pre-marital conversations I urge couples to find ways to express affection, respect and love for each other; not just the grand gestures but also the seizing of opportunities as they present themselves daily.

Thank God, it seems that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are enjoying the same observation that they are truly in love; 12 years on in their relationship that includes 5 years of marriage.

Click – Expressions of royal and vibrant love