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Couple waits NINE years to unwrap a wedding gift… after the bride’s aunt told them not to open it until their first big row

Facebook users believed the simple present was 'perfect'

A COUPLE didn’t open one of their wedding presents for NINE years… as they were warned to only open it after their first argument.

After almost a decade of married life, Kathy Gunn remembered that she had been given a mystery box on her big day.

 Kathy and Brandon were given the special gift nine years ago
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Kathy and Brandon were given the special gift nine years agoCredit: Kathy Gunn

When Kathy and her husband Brandon were preparing to attend a wedding in Kalamazoo, Michigan, they wondered about what gift they should buy the newlyweds.

During the conversation, they recalled a present that they had been given nine years before.

Kathy remembered: “On our wedding day, my husband Brandon and I received a gift from my Great Aunt Alison.

“On the plain white box was a card that read, ‘Do not open until your 1st disagreement.’”

 The pair were instructed not to open the gift until the right moment
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The pair were instructed not to open the gift until the right momentCredit: Kathy Gunn
 The couple held off opening the gift until almost a decade of married life
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The couple held off opening the gift until almost a decade of married lifeCredit: Kathy and Brandon Gunn

Even though the pair had worked through plenty of arguments during their nine years of marriage, the envelopes remained unopened.

Kathy explained: “I honestly think that we both avoided turning to the box, because it would have symbolized our failure.

“To us, it would have meant that we didn’t have what it takes to make our marriage work and we’re both too stubborn and determined for that.”

Through the years, the couple always imagined that the contents of the box would be the secret to saving a marriage.

As Kathy and Brandon finally opened the box, they were surprised by the perfect simplicity of the present.

 The pair believed the present would provide the solution to any marital strife
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The pair believed the present would provide the solution to any marital strifeCredit: Kathy Gunn
 Two wine glasses and some bath gels were provided along with the letters to each
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Two wine glasses and some bath gels were provided along with the letters to eachCredit: Kathy and Brandon Gunn

The couple pulled out two glasses and some bath gels, along with some instructions for the husband and wife.

An envelope addressing the groom read: “Brandon, go get flowers and a bottle of wine.”

Another message for Kathy instructed: “Go get a pizza, shrimp or something you both like. Get a bath ready.”

Kathy said: “For 9 years (and three moves) that box sat high on a shelf in various closets gathering dust, yet it somehow taught us about tolerance, understanding, compromise and patience.

“Our marriage strengthened as we became best friends, partners, and teammates.

“Today, we decided to open that box, because I finally had a realization. I realized that the tools for creating and maintaining a strong, healthy marriage were never within that box – they were within us."

 Many Instagram users thanked Kathy for sharing her inspirational story
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 Many Instagram users thanked Kathy for sharing her inspirational storyCredit: Kathy Gunn

Since Kathy shared her story on the Facebook page, it’s racked up a staggering 12,000 likes.

A number of happily married social media users have praised the couple for the inspiring message.

One commenter remarked: “What a loving idea”, while another agreed: “This has got to be the perfect gift”.