Bad Week for Relationships

We all know that long term relationships are hard and demanding and that they're not like in the movies, but this week has been especially bad for relationships across the globe. This week I learned of two marriages that were destroyed because the husband had a long affair, one marriage where the husband decided he just didn't love his wife anymore and left, and one live-together couple that broke up because the girl was actually married to someone in prison. It doesn't get much better than that. Luckily these were all only in my semi-close circle, so I don't personally have to deal with the fall-out from these breakups. Still, it's made me wonder... if so many seemingly successful marriages fail, how will mine ever work?

So, in an attempt to remind myself that relationships aren't all doomed, I've compilied a short and non-inclusive list of ones that give me hope. Here it is:

Heather and Ben - Since Heather's been my best friend forever, I would say I know more about her relationship with Ben than I do about any other couple. And vice versa, I think. Even though they have hectic schedules, they make a genuine effort to be together and love each other as best they can. And they do.

My Parents - They've been married for 35 years. That's a really long time. During those 35 years I'm sure they've had to deal with lots and lots and lots of stuff, but they did and they got through it in a relatively stable, accommodating manner. Since "stable" and "accommodating" aren't exactly words that describe me, I can only hope to accomplish the same.

Matt's Parents - I get the feeling that Bev and Tom's relationship runs much deeper than they let on to the general public, which, I guess, includes me. They've been together for a long time, too... like just under 30 years. They've raised three kids and kept their marriage and their sanity, which is amazing.

Barack and Michelle Obama - It will kill me if either of them pulls a Bill Clinton. Harbingers of hope, the Obamas embody a modern, loving marriage. I love how Michelle is not a "traditional" 1st lady. She is strong, smart, and outspoken. Barack always says he married up. Yes, the president of the United States thinks he married up. If you have made it to be president, you're a catch (well...), so to genuinely believe that he married up means that he sees and embraces all the beautiful things about her. They are each other's rock, support, help, and friend. And I'm a little jealous!