Husbands and Wives

(The Tiff, also called Sunlight and Shadow, by William
 Merritt Chase, 1849-1916, American artist)

About three decades ago, Dear Abby, an advice columnist syndicated in newspapers across the country, published these ten rules for a happy marriage.

1. Never both be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you must criticize, do it lovingly.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once every day say a kind or complimentary word to your spouse.
9. When you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10. Remember it takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong usually is the one who does most of the talking.

HUSBANDS AND WIVES

Two broken hearts, lonely, looking like
Houses where nobody lives.
Two people each having so much pride inside,
Neither side forgives.

Angry words spoken in haste,
Such a waste of two lives.
It’s my belief, pride is the chief cause in the decline
In the number of husbands and wives.

A woman and a man, a man and a woman,
Some can, some can’t, and some can.

~ Roger Miller (1936-1992), American singer and songwriter

My favorite version is by a Canadian jazz group, the Susie Arioli Band featuring Jordan Officer on the guitar, and found on their CD Learn to Smile Again.