Longest Running Couples

Hedy and Yumi Schleifer 

Miami Beach
MARRIED: 46 years
OCCUPATIONS: Relationship builders, trainers of couples and therapists in the art of connection.

They say: “We have a rich, deep, exciting, adventurous and growing marriage of 46 years. We are each other’s best friend and soulmate. Our marriage has been able to succeed because over the years we have been committed to be students of life, and keep learning how to make our marriage grow and develop. We have come to learn that the ‘power struggle’ of a couple is a natural phenomenon after the romantic phase of a relationship. We now travel all over the world teaching couples how to transcend that power struggle and embrace a conscious, connected marriage.”

Lessons learned: “Under the wedding canopy nobody told us that the romantic phase that we are enjoying only lasts for about a year and a half. Nobody told us that when conflict arises in our relationship, it’s a good thing. Nobody said to us, “Conflict is a friend. It is growth knocking at the door. Embrace conflict as an opportunity and as a launching pad for growth.”

Opposites attract: “We are the most incompatible two people on the face of the Earth. Where one of us is structured, the other is spontaneous; where one of us is future-oriented, the other one is present-oriented; where one of us is organized, the other of us is chaotic; where one of us is talkative, the other one is silent. And that is how we believe nature gives us a gift. Nature brings the two most incompatible people together into marriage because nature is not interested in our happiness; nature is interested in our wholeness. It is through our incompatibility that we can become each other’s best ally in becoming whole people.”

Words of wisdom: “Enjoy the romantic phase of your relationship. Suck the marrow out of it. It will pass. But also know that nature has a way of bringing the two most incompatible people together with the purpose of growth and development. Nature does not want us to know in the beginning that conflicts will inevitably arise in the future. If we knew that, we would all run like hell. But when conflicts show their face, say: “Welcome!” Because conflicts are nature’s way of saying, “It is time for you to do the growth work for which you have come together as a couple.”

Kari and Adam Gropper

Miami Beach
MARRIED: 46 years
OCCUPATIONS: Adam is an Interventional Radiologist, Medical Director of Radiology at Jackson North, Jackson South and North Beach Vascular & Aesthetics.  Kari is a Licensed Aesthetician, Director of Aesthetics, North Beach Vascular & Aesthetics.  The couple co-owns North Beach Vascular and Aesthetics, a boutique practice which focuses on varicose and spider vein treatments and aesthetic services such as Botox, dermal fillers, and facials.

They say: “We have an incredibly busy lifestyle, with three kids and a growing business. It’s great to be fortunate enough to be able to work together, but we have to make sure we spend enough time on a regular basis with each other away from work. That keeps us connected and on the same wavelength. We respect and appreciate one another, and that keeps us from taking each other for granted.  We are also both equally committed to modeling a good relationship for our kids so they are able to make good decisions when they get older.”

Lessons learned: “Definitely that marriage is something that you have to work at every day.“ (Kari)

Alike, but different: “It depends. In some ways we are similar, in others we are opposite. For example, I tend to be more of a type-A personality, where Kari is more easygoing. I think the important thing for us is that our stronger personality traits seem to be opposite, so we help each other be more moderate.” (Adam)

Words of wisdom: “You have to understand your own needs, wants and desires before you can pick the right partner.” (Kari)

Robin and Mark Levinson

Fort Lauderdale
MARRIED: 30 years
OCCUPATIONS: Co-owners of Levinson Jewelers in Fort Lauderdale.

Robin says: “We are committed to each other. We enjoy being around each other, no matter what our moods are. Even when we are having a moment of disconnect, we still find comfort in knowing the other is close by. It is important to try to keep things light and fun. Life is a journey and it is always changing, and no one can expect to change at the same time. That said, you have to go with the flow. It’s all good!”

Lessons learned: “You must be open-minded and flexible.  You need to learn that each person’s opinion needs to be respected and understood, even if you don’t agree with it. You are constantly learning.”

Opposites attract: “Mark and I are very different. We are like Yin and Yang. I really believe it’s our differences that have helped our relationship succeed. One is able to support and compensate in places the other might be lacking. It definitely works for us!”

Words of wisdom: “That marriage, as in life, is one big book with many chapters. Each chapter can be vastly different from the next, but it’s still the same book. Inevitably we all go through changes and meet obstacles in various stages of life and you need to remember, it’s just another chapter and you are in it together as a couple.”