AFRO readers weigh in on love and standing the test of time

By Ama Y. Brown,
AFRO Editorial Assistant

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.”

1 Corinthians 13, Verses 4-8

As we celebrate the beauty of Black love, the AFRO spoke with married people to get some advice from veterans of the “Couples Club.”

While it may be easy to focus on the good times, this week, the AFRO asked how marriages survive beyond the honeymoon phase and specifically— when times get tough.

Read below to find out how couples have traveled through time together and decided they wouldn’t have it any other way!

Keep God first— and remember the magic words

Andre and Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper

“There is absolutely, positively nothing too hard for God. If He could create everything with a word, part the Red Sea, turn water into wine, heal a blind man, raise a dead man, stand up a lame man, feed 5,000 with a little boy’s lunch, cast out demons, get up from the grave…surely He can repair your marriage—if you let Him!”

Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper

“Practice saying the two words that will make her smile every time, all the time: ‘Yes, Dear.’

Andre Draper

2: Communication is crucial

Vanessa and James Jones

“Communication is the key to navigating difficult times. Listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions and remember you are on the same team. You have to tackle the situation together.”