Life Long Love: Meet the Niedwicks

How many years have you been married and how old were you when you got married?
We have been married for 30 years. Julie was 21 years old and Mark was 22.

Where & how did the two of you meet?
We first met in middle school, but in 11th grade we were partnered alphabetically in chemistry class.

What first attracted you to one another?
Julie: I was attracted to his beautiful eyes and smile. He was unassuming and funny and felt safe.

Mark: I thought she was cute, funny and smart. I thought she was out of my league.

We all have ideas about how marriage is supposed to be when we say our wedding vows. What was one of the first challenges you encountered that challenged your ideas of what marriage was supposed to be?
Early on in our marriage we lived far away from family (for schooling) and that is where we discovered we had completely opposite conflict resolution styles.

What has helped you stay together? What's your secret?
Sheer determination, stubbornness, commitment to our vows and God. And of course, God’s faithfulness.

Do you pray together? Or have other faith activities?
Not consistently.

Do you date? How do you play together? How has that changed during your years together?
We do date about once per month. We don’t “play” together necessarily but need to do more of that. It was harder when money was tighter, and our children were little. But it got easier in recent years.

How do you KNOW your spouse loves you? How do you let your spouse know you love them?
We have stuck together for 30 years. We say it with words. Mark anticipates Julie’s needs and helps before she even knows she needs it sometimes!

Share a nugget of wisdom you wish you could give to your younger selves.
Be more in the moment. Have more fun. Worry less.

What do you do on a regular basis for your marriage?
Monthly date nights. Prayer. Help each other with household tasks and kids.