From Florida to Michigan, Frank Houston and Danielle Atkinson Share Values, Laughter

Royal Oak has its fair share of lovebirds, so we decided to check in with a few of them before Valentine's Day and ask them to share relationship and date night secrets.

Today we take a closer look at what makes Frank Houston and Danielle Atkinson so sweet.

How long have you been together?

We met in Orlando during the summer of 2003 and worked together on a ballot proposal campaign to raise the minimum wage in Florida.  After one year of collecting nearly one million signatures and spending probably as many hours together, a million working people who were living in poverty received a raise, and I (Frank) realized I was in love with my future wife, and to my surprise she was willing to come home to Michigan with me in January of 2005.  No small feat talking a southern woman to move from Florida to Michigan in the winter.  We married Dec. 28, 2008. 

What’s the secret to a successful and happy relationship?

Patience, trust, acceptance, shared values and a lot of humor equal more happiness, more sanity and a lasting love.

What famous couple do you emulate?

If were trying to emulate a famous couple we would probably be in trouble since we don’t have the money to pay for security from the paparazzi and the therapy for our children to cope with our fame.  However, the President and First Lady do a pretty good job as role models – although I (Frank) am not the leader of the free world or can sing Marvin Gaye songs (or anything else) very well, I bet I can cook better and change a diaper faster than Mr. Obama these days.  Danielle – as a former state wrestling champion and scholarship collegiate athlete in Lacrosse – does still have some impressive arms like Michelle.

Why did you settle in Royal Oak, and how long have you lived here?

We bought our house in 2006 and love it here.  Royal Oak is full of fantastic people, has good schools, a great downtown and provides easy access to friends, family and things to do – the type of town you want grow up and old in.

What’s your favorite romantic night out in Royal Oak and why?

Good food makes us happy and something surprising can lead to a lot of special memories and funny stories, both which we cherish and helps keep the romance alive.  With three beautiful, charismatic, energetic young children – Eva, Livia and Josiah – any moment we can sneak away by ourselves, is a surprise in itself.  Danielle also is amazing at making anything we do when we go out – no matter what unexpectedly may occur or “go wrong” along the way – special and fun.  One of the many reasons I go to sleep each night, in love with my wife.

RELATED:

• Oakland County Democrats to Challenge Redistricting Bill