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While obtaining advice from anyone who’s been married is always helpful, it’s the guidance of those who’ve gone the long haul that our ears certainly perk up for.

In a conversation with PEOPLE recently, Denzel Washington shared that he and wife Pauletta had made it to 35 years of marriage in June. They celebrated the major milestone in their usual laid back way.

“We just chilled, had some dinner,” he said of their celebration. “It was kind of quiet.”

When asked what keeps them together and their relationship strong after all these years, the 63-year-old joked, “I do what I’m told. I keep my mouth shut!”

But in all honesty, he shared that they’ve gone the distance because of the sacrifices of his wife. He spilled on a few of those sacrifices when asked what he appreciates most about her.

“There’s too many things!” he said. “What pops into my head: security, food, a beautiful home. The difference between a house and a home, it’s a big difference. You can buy a house, but that doesn’t make it a home – and not to say a man can’t make a home a home, but my wife has made our house a home, and raised these beautiful kids and protected them and sacrificed for them, she did the heavy-lifting.”

Her cooking also makes Pauletta, 67, quite the catch (and makes the years go by much faster).

“She has a few [specialties]. I’ve been eating her curry chicken since I’ve known her,” he said. “I used to make it too, but not as good as hers.”

That’s right, the Oscar winner isn’t too shabby in the kitchen either, but don’t ask him what his specialty is.

“No, let’s not go there,” he joked. “I don’t want to get caught lying.”

Denzel and Pauletta have been married since 1983, and have raised four children: actor John David, 33, Katia, 30, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, 27.

Hit the flip to check out a few photos of their legendary love from over the years.

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