Mom’s marriage post drops some major, but simple truths

Listen to mom when it comes to marriage

There’s a lot of advice out there about what makes for a long and successful marriage. Some say it’s all about communication. Others stress embracing each other’s flaws. Then there are those who urge you to “put your spouse first” or “never stop dating.”

One wife and mother’s answer to the age-old question is a bit more nuanced than that. Nikki Pennington, 32, has been with her husband since high school, and says the secret to her lasting union is that there is no secret.

In a Facebook post that has since gone viral, Pennington says that the key to a great marriage cannot be boiled down to a single platitude or guiding principle. Instead, she stressed the importance of working at your marriage every day, in good times and bad.

“It’s about knowing that nothing is going to turn out perfect, that your marriage won’t be a highlight reel because that’s not real life. It’s about being deep in the trenches of so many obstacles that life could throw you and getting to look over and know that you aren’t alone and that your best friend is walking it with you,” she wrote.

Her refreshing post has people talking and has more than 35,000 comments so far.

“Well said. Jim & I have been married 45 years and knew each other longer. It’s a roller coaster but wow what a ride,” said one wife.

“I agree 100 percent. There is no secret to a strong, happy marriage. It is hard work on both parts. My wife and celebrated 15 years of marriage this year,” read another.

For her part, Pennington is not surprised that her message is so relatable.

“I think it’s resonating with so many people because it’s honest. So many of us don’t want to talk about the bad times in our marriage because then we are failing. But in reality, we all go through difficult times,” Pennington told Us Weekly. “I’ve also received lots of messages from young couples with people around them doubting if they can have a successful marriage. My post gave them hope that they can make it.”

Life