Hello , and welcome to Friday Coffee with MAP!

Paul McCartney was just 24 when he wrote “When I’m 64,” sweetly imagining what his romance might look like decades into the future. While McCartney’s legendary song offers a charming, nostalgic vision of later-life romance, this week’s article provides a compelling argument that a lasting, continually strengthening partnership is absolutely achievable through a handful of accessible, research-backed choices. Understanding these principles might be what carries your relationship not just to age 64—but well beyond.

Happy reading!

“Three Rules for a Lasting Happy Marriage”
_{by Arthur C. Brooks for The Atlantic}

____________________________________________________________________________

Romantic attraction isn’t shaped solely by social or cultural forces—our instincts play a major role in who we choose. But once a relationship moves beyond the initial “selection” phase and settles into the long arc of midlife and beyond, it’s the choices partners make that become most important. Daily habits, communication, and mutual support all play a powerful role in deepening connection and sustaining the bond over time.

Studies show that long-term couples increasingly prize loyalty and dependability—but that cultivated dynamics play a major role too. A 2020 study of couples married 15+ years found their success came from consistently positive emotional behavior: Humor, enthusiasm, and genuine validation.

Brooks argues that if lifelong union is your goal, one should joyfully approach your relationship’s shared growth– and offers three evidence-based rules for doing so:

Slap on the Cuffs: This header is sarcastic. Brooks suggests that being intentional about cultivating complete dependability & full loyalty to your partner is far from being “shackled” – it is in fact a freeing and empowering act of love that can guarantee enduring reciprocity, trust, and attachment.

Stay Positive: Do not bring your negative emotions home from work- it imposes a negative burden on the relationship. Research shows that pairs with strong, long-term bonds rely on positive emotionality, whereas negativity weakens it. Positivity is a choice you must be determined to make.

Grow in Spirit– Together: Research suggests that prayer and worship with another person can increase the emotional resonance of the practice, and deepen a couple’s overall trust. For nonreligious couples, some research shows an increase in closeness when practicing certain kinds of meditation with each other.

Long-term partnership isn’t easy to do well. But by staying aware of each other’s growth and evolving needs, you and your partner can do a lot to tilt the odds toward a lifelong romance.

____________________________________________________________________________

So tell us: What is the single greatest marriage tip you’ve ever heard– and if you are currently married, how has it helped you?

Thank you,

The MAP Team

MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors | A Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC
10345 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 110
Los Angeles, CA 90064
OFFICE: 310.601.4095
FAX: 310.388.5484
WEB: www.mapstrategic.com

This email contains links to articles or other information that may be on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC is not responsible for and does not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third-party website.