By: Christina Generales
Conventions regarding love shift over time causing the love stories within a single generation to change.
Thirty years ago Bob and Janet Keen first laid eyes on each other and while some couples fall in love at first sight, for the Keens it began differently.
"I think that its better if you grow a friendship and get to know somebody and then the love grows and I think that's exactly what happened with us," Janet said.
It was five years before Bob and Janet would marry and have their two children.
She says it is because of their unfailing commitment to one another in marriage that has kept them together and why divorce has never been an option for them.
Gordon Smith and Doke Wolfe are another couple about to mark their 25th anniversary.
For them the conventional stereotypes don't apply.
They are gay but just as committed as the Keens.
Gordon came from a traditional relationship and had two daughters before meeting Doke.
Like the Keens, it would be several years before the couple would confirm their relationship in public.
South Carolina does not recognize gay marriage but Gordon and Doke only needed a ceremony to affirm their vows.
"We needed people to witness us standing up and affirming our relationship to each other. So we had it right here at the house, right in the living room," said Doke.
They say they have found a way to keep things fresh and new after all these years together.
"We enjoy our daily life, we have our own interests and one of the things I think a good relationship needs is a little time apart, maybe a little something the other one doesn't participate in," said Doke.
Both couples say in order to do it right you have to remain a team.
They all agree relationships are commitments- made with the decision to go through life together and the willingness to compromise.
Bob and Janet enjoy lunch together in their home.
Doke is tasting some of Gordon's pecans as they cook dinner together.
