(WBIR - HANCOCK COUNTY) All this week we're celebrating love in time for Valentine's Day. We turned to experts for advice on how to make a relationship work long term. Not professionals, but a couple who's still in love after 70 years.
When you visit with Lyde and Gladys Ramsey, it feels like you're stepping back in time.
Their courtship started in the 1930s and consisted of hand holding and letter writing.
"She's the first sweetheart I ever had," said Lyde, 92, and the only sweetheart he ever would have.
"We were in church and must have looked at one another and seen something we liked," Gladys, 88, said.
They disagree on the details in the beginning. But the couple knew from a very young age, they had a spark. They didn't think about love until Lyde was off to the Navy in World War II.
"I didn't see him for seven years," Gladys said.
"I carried her picture all over the Pacific. I showed her the world," Lyde said.
The day after he got back to Tennessee, he proposed.
"If you're going to do something, I believe in doing it," he said.
Four children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren later, they celebrated 70 years of marriage on February 4.
"The devotion they've had and shown each other throughout the years, it's remarkable," said family friend, Kay Trent Brooks.
After all this time-- they still make each other laugh. They say humor is the key to making it through the tough times.
"These men might as well admit it. When you women say 'jump,' you better say, 'how high honey?'" Lyde said.
They also said they have worked at their marriage every day of their 70 years together. Now they're setting an example for generations to come.
"It's an inspiration. I would love for us to celebrate 70 years," said the Ramsey's great granddaughter, Rebekah Smith.
The Ramseys said being compatible has a lot to do with their long-lasting relationship. But they said that doesn't mean it's always been easy. They advise thinking about your spouse before yourself.