BEATRIX OST AND LUDWIG KUTTNER
Together 43 years
“‘Instead of being lonely and remote from each other, we can be close. For the same reason, we only have one bathroom sink—so we’re always together,’” Ludwig told The New York Times in 2003 of his and Beatrix’s New York apartment. How romantic! In fact, it seems like we could learn a lot about romance from these two—including how to sustain a loving relationship. When asked if there’s something she likes to do that Ludwig doesn’t, Beatrix said, “We convince each other.”
Ages: Young
Occupations: Beatrix is an artist; Ludwig is an entrepreneur.
Married: Somewhere in between.
How did you meet? At the Octoberfest in Munich.
Do you have children? Three sons.
What’s your song? “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
What do you like to do together? Eat.
What’s your morning routine? Go for a walk followed by time in the jacuzzi.
Who does the cooking? The cleaning? People we adore.
What’s the strangest thing you have in common? Love.
What’s your best memory together? The birth of our sons and grandchildren.
What do you dream about doing together? Carneval in Venice.
What is the secret to a long-lasting relationship? Live and let live.
BOB HEADRICK AND JEFF DREYFUS
Together 14 years.
Ages: Jeff is 51; Bob is 55Set up on a blind date by a local realtor (who told Jeff, “You like kids; he has kids. You’ll like each other.”), Jeff and Bob knew after their first meeting that their search was over. Fourteen years later, there’s still no question. When asked about their best memory together, Jeff says, “Every single minute. Every single day.”
Occupations: Jeff is an architect; Bob is a realtor.
Do you have kids? Bob has a son, Austin (age 24), and a daughter, Lauren (age 22).
What do you like to do together? Travel. Anywhere, anytime. See new places and do new things.
What’s been your biggest relationship challenge? Communication. Always, always, always communication.
What’s your morning routine? Wake up around 6:30am. Feed the four dogs (Jeff); make the coffee (Bob); make the breakfast smoothie (Jeff or Bob). Shower and get on our way.
Who does the cooking? The cleaning? Grilling and quick cooking: Bob; involved cooking: Jeff. Cleaning: Both of us. And Clara. Thank God for Clara.
What’s the strangest thing you have in common? We’re both the left-handed second son from a middle class family of four kids.
What was your first date? Bob was coming from a business dinner. Jeff and Bob Hughes (the chaperone) were waiting to meet him at Mono Loco for a late-night drink. After about 90 minutes of chatting, we all began to depart; Bob Hughes excused himself, and we stood in the Water Street parking lot freezing and talking for 30 minutes. Then we decided to go to South Street Brewery for a cup of hot tea. We talked there until they kicked us out at 2am.
Who would win in a game of Scrabble? Poker? Scrabble: Jeff (maybe). Poker: Bob (definitely)
What do you dream about doing together? Building a house of our own design. Traveling someplace new. Spending time—lots of time—on the west coast, enjoying the sights along the coast.
When did you get the “this is the one” feeling? Jeff: The night we met. I’m not a mystical person, or a “sensing” person, but I got home that night and thought to myself, “My life has changed because of this meeting.” It was strong, it was clear, and it was right! Bob: I knew there was a vibe the first night we met. I don’t recall the exact moment.
