Reader TTS

LIZ & MIKE DRAYER Courtesy Jacqueline Drayer Liz, 60, is a semiretired attorney. Mike, 62, is a fully retired attorney. Married for 34 years, they live in Clearwater, Florida. They met

at a party while they were both in law school, and have two adult daughters. With both children grown, the couple is enjoying this new phase of their marriage. LIZ: After this amount of

time, we try not to push each other’s buttons. I avoid doing things that may upset you. MIKE: Yes, we don’t sweat the little things. We get angry for a moment and get over it. Sounds kind of

boring … LIZ: Well, we try to be flexible. If something is important to one of us, the other gives in on that thing. Things are pretty evenly matched there. MIKE: We all have

idiosyncrasies, and it helps if you find those idiosyncrasies charming instead of annoying. LIZ: Yes. I know you put up with my leaving newspapers all over the house, and not being as

particular as you are about organization. MIKE: And I can be obsessive about dealing with something as soon as it comes up. I want to talk to you about it immediately — even if you’re on

the phone. And yet you still say things to show I’m appreciated, like, “You’re a good husband.” The little things that aren’t so little. LIZ: Most of life is not that exciting — going to

work, making dinner, changing the cat litter. A sense of humor can get you through, and we’re lucky to have that. JILL & LAYNE STANGELAND Courtesy Jill Stangeland Jill, 59, is a

payroll auditor. Layne, 60, is a facility manager. Married for 30 years, they live in Dublin, California, and met through a pre-internet dating service. Engaged three months after meeting,

they eloped to a casino chapel in Reno. They have a daughter. JILL: Even though we don’t talk a lot or do a lot, I’m very secure knowing you’re not going anywhere. I don’t live in fear that

our relationship is going to fall apart at a moment’s notice. LAYNE: I feel the same way. We think on the same page. We’re solid. JILL: You always give me the opportunity to be myself and

do what I want to do. You’re never jealous or mad about the time I spend with others, and you support all of my decisions. I decided to change jobs during the pandemic — you saw how

stressful my job was and how it was affecting my life, and were supportive. You always have my back.  LAYNE: Well, you’re always willing to let me stew in my thoughts for a while before we

discuss important decisions we make. You give me the time I need to reflect and put my thoughts together.