Slats met his future wife, Katie, when they were both in high school. Over the next 15 years, they did their own thing, but it would become apparent to both of them that they were meant to be together.  In this episode, "She Loves Me," he explains why his 28 year marriage is so strong, despite many ways he almost screwed it up. Charlie admires Slats for having such a strong, loving marriage but can't help if a little "snarcasm" comes through due to his own failed marriage. (But they'll about THAT on another episode of The Idiot Philosophers entitled, "She Loves Me Not.")

While nobody has the "secret" of a long, loving, solid marriage, Slats and his wife have weathered the challenges of staying together while being apart. Thanks to Slats' military service, then his chosen career as pilot for a major airline, that separation often brought them closer as a couple; a challenge while raising 3 children, but they did it and are as in love now as they've ever been.