Long-married couples share their secrets to love

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Couples who’ve been married longer than 50 years and organizers of a Valentine’s Day champagne party for them in Brooklyn share tips for staying together.

COMPROMISE:

Murray and Esther Redlitz, married 66 years

“You’ve got to know each other for a while and then compromise,” says Murray. “Think what the other thinks. Don’t be selfish.”

SHARE INTERESTS:

David and Faina Shamrakov, married 58 years

“We have the same interests — we worked together, we both like to read books, we go to the library, the cinema, the theatre,” says Faina. “We do everything together.”

RESOLVE DISPUTES:

Fortuno and Maddalena Corso, married 72 years

“You don’t go to bed mad,” says the couple’s daughter, Madeline Corso, recalling her father’s advice. “That’s what he believes in.”

SPREAD HAPPINESS:

Marty and Jamie Markowitz, organizers of the party, married 13 years

“Here’s the secret: Happy wife, happy life. It’s as simple as that. That’s it,” says Marty. “There’s nothing more. … It’s as simple as that. It makes your life so much better if they’re happy.”