Over Thirty Years in Love-Dedicated to Ollian Fans

Inspired by the love story of Christian and Olli on the German soap Verbotene Liebe, which has given hope and courage to viewers all over the world. But many wonder whether such love can happen in the real world. It can. Joe and I have been together for over 30 years, and we're still madly in love. And we know many friends who have been together for 20, 30, and 40 years.
The slideshow recaps our story, from when we met as newly arrived country boys in the big City in 1978, through courting, custody battles, anniversary parties with family and friends, the AIDS crisis (we were OK, but we sat at the deathbeds of several friends whose families had abandoned them), jealousy, the loss of our fathers, the marriages of the kids, growing older ourselves, and still being madly in love...
We celebrated our 30th last year surrounded by a crowd of friends (mostly straight families), and family. So lasting love like that shown in Ollian is possible. And worth the effort.
Don't give up.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Christian
• and
• Oliver
• Verbotene
• Liebe
• love
• romance
• Ollian
• stable gay relationships
• Chrolli
• gay
• faithful
• monogamous

[sfvniceguy]

Carlo, thank you so much for your beautiful video about your 30+ years with Joe. It's so important for straight people to realize that we do form lasting relationships based on love for each other and for gay people to realize that it's entirely possible. It's been 42 years for my partner and me, and we have many friends who've been together 30+, 40+ years. This doesn't mean that it's all sweetness and light, but if you really love each other you can make it through. Thanks again.

[carloggc]

Congratulations on 42 years together! Yes, it's important to be open and honest about our long term relationships on a daily basis. Straight people see us less as stereotypes and young gay people see that there is real hope for a lifetime of love.

[smlysaght]

Dear Carlo & Joe. The photos of your 30 years together moved me to tears. I feel so privileged to have been your friend for the past 27, and look forward to the next 30. All my love to you both--Steve

[carloggc]

Steve, it's been our privilege to know you. Love.

P.S. Everyone, Steve is the cute blond next to Joe at 2:03.

[alwaysuseless]

Carlo, congratulations to you and Joe!

I loved this slide show. Apparently, it's getting around the web through friends and friends of friends. That's how I came across it. It was added to my opening YouTube page by a YouTube friend, visitor... (Ed), who's also an Ollian fan.

Thank you!

[carloggc]

sunflyer40, thanks. I'm glad that you haven't given up hope; I was 30 when I met Joe so anything is possible. And yes, we need to reach out and encourage each other much more. 'Hoping the best for you, always...

[ichglotzutube]

I'm moved to tears, Carlos. What a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing your journey through time with us.

[prettymarysunlight]

OMG thats sooo romantic got every1 teary eyed ☮ ♥

[paracelcious]

Congratulations on your 30 years. I must say that I am not a very strong believer in marriages, gay or straight, just because I see so little ones that actually work. Yours is one to keep in mind when counting the ones that work. Congratulations again.

[TheBeruthiel]

carloggc

Congrats to you both on 30 years together. Whither you be gay, straight, whatever, keeping a 30 year relationship going is a huge achievement and something to be proud of. I'm envious!

[carloggc]

Husky, Thanks for your kind words and good wishes! The Gays of Daytime? How'd that happen? Anyway, thanks, and best to you too.

Peace,

Carlo

[lalodapimp350]

Amazing!

[luvbuddy26]

This is so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing a piece of your happiness with us. It's very inspiring. This is what true soulmates look like :-)

[TainDK]

Thank u for beeing u and showing up!

Gr8 piece of work and realy an insperation.

Dennis, Denmark

[heshallgo]

Congratulations on your 30th anniversary!

Thanks for sharing your story and showing us that true love is real.

I can only wish that my soul mate will accept my love some day and stop avoiding me.