We certainly wouldn’t call them drunk in love, but David and Tamela Mann have been married for 25 years, and this month, they were celebrated by Ebony magazine. They were part of a series of three February covers celebrating black love that included The Cannons (Mariah and Nick) and the Anthonys (Lala and Carmelo).
That’s just part of what’s shaping up to be a great year for the couple. Tamela is up for an NAACP Image Award and her album Best Days won 7 out of 10 Stellar Awards she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year. And the couple recently moved into a new home.
“Everybody knew where we lived and kept coming by the house. My cousin want to say hi, my daddy wants to speak to you. We had to move,” David told the Tom Joyner Morning Show. As for their successful long-term marriage, the advice that they give to couples is simple. “Stay in love. You have to do things to keep that fire burning like you did once you were dating in the beginning,” Tamela says.
“Like making love hanging from the ceiling fan,” David jokes to the amusement of the TJMS crew. Or maybe having fun with playing a TV father and daughter as they did on Meet the Browns, where David once said he’d throw off people who didn’t know their real relationship by public displays of affection on set.
On a serious note, though, he, too says love is a big part of the equation.
“When you’re in love, love covers a multitude of flaws. When you’re in love, love covers up flaws you didn’t even know your woman or your spouse had. You could be looking your woman in the eyes when you’re in love, you don’t even notice that she’s cross-eyed.”
Well, there you have it – how to stay in love for 25 years. Check out more of the Manns and what they’re currently up to via their official website.
