IT TOOK four years of dancing dates and tennis games before Charles and Doreen Taylor tied the knot.
But the lengthy engagement was worth it.
After 60 years of married life together, the Birkdale couple has shared top tips for those looking for lasting love.
Their advice has come just in time for Valentine’s Day, the annual romance celebration, on February 14.
While Doreen said her and Charlie were best friends, resolving arguments to find common ground was the key.
“If you have a tiff, sort it out and don’t sleep on it,” she said.
Other ingredients in the recipe included respect for one another, the ability to share, trust and a helping attitude.
Mr and Mrs Taylor were married on February 2, 1957. The couple received letters from Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Turnbull and other dignitaries for their diamond anniversary earlier this month.
Doreen was 17 and Charlie 20 when they first met and the pair have been inseparable ever since.
Charlie said he and Doreen did everything together for romance and logistical reasons. Charlie has driven and chaperoned Doreen everywhere as she has never had a licence.
The couple, who dreamed about building a life together, have been successful in turning their vision into a reality.
“We’ve done it pretty good,” Mrs Taylor said.
Charlie was self-employed as a builder before his retirement, with Doreen helping to paint houses when needed.
The Taylors moved to the Redlands about 26 years ago.
They have two children and share five grandchildren and one great-grand child together, of which they are immensely proud.
