Walter and Monica Givens have been together for 30 years, married for 22 years.

Who talked to who first? Monica: I talked to Walter first. My high school friend who was at KU prior to my matriculation invited Walter to a dinner at her apartment along with her boyfriend, who happened to be Walter’s roommate.

Who said “I love you” first? Walter: I told Monica I love you first.

Did you go to the same school? Monica: Yes, we met at the University of Kansas

Where do you go the most as a couple? Walter: We love to go out to eat.

Who is more social? Monica: I am the most social.

Who is the neat-freak? Walter: Monica is definitely the neat-freak.

Who is the most stubborn? Monica: Walter is definitely the most stubborn. Once his mind is set, it is rare that he changes it.

Who wakes up earlier? Walter: Monica is the early bird. She loves to get up around 5 a.m. to run.

Where was your first date? Monica: We went to the movies at the Student Union at KU.

Who has the craziest exes? Walter: Monica’s exes weren’t crazy but they were not even close to my handsomeness.

What is your secret to making marriage work? Monica: Keeping the Lord as the center of our lives. When you have that relationship with Jesus and have that private time with Him, it is easier to come together as a couple to work things out. Forgiveness comes easier. It becomes not about who is right, but what is right.

How did you decide on the household chores? Monica: We just divide things up. If I wash, then Walter will fold. If I cook, then Walter will do the dishes or the boys. We include the boys in household chores, too. It is a family thing.

What have you learned to appreciate about your spouse that you did not know when you were first married? Walter: I love Monica’s tenacity and focus for running. She has run in numerous half-marathons and three marathons.

What aspect of marriage were you most pleasantly surprised by? Walter: That I need Monica with me to have a good night’s sleep. When I have to be out of town, I don’t sleep well without her. She is like the blue blanket that Linus carries around (LOL).

What do you think is the most challenging part of being married? Monica: At times we do not see eye-to- eye on issues and end up having to just agree to disagree.

What has been the greatest obstacle you have faced over the years? Walter: Balancing our boys’ sports schedule with our time as couple.

What’s one thing that your spouse does that makes you feel glad you married years ago? Monica: That Walter is a hard-working husband who is an excellent provider for our family.

What key advice before marrying would you have wanted?

Walter: Start saving for children before marriage.