Describe a couple you know who have a good long term relationship

[janey68]

Dh and I have been together 16 years and many of our friends have been couples for a similar time. We've seen various couples split along the way, but equally many of our friends seem to be in it for the long haul and are very happy together. One of our couple friends have had quite a lot of stresses, child with learning disabilities, husband working long distance for a few years, money worries, but they have the strongest marriage I've known. Obviously none of us know another couple inside out, but from what you know, what is it about couples you know who seem to have a good partnership?

I'd add another item to Lady's list:

Based on my sister's family unit (they are not married but are together since 20 years and have 2 kids so to me it is same same just different):

They allow each other to stay integral to their old self, e.g. he is mad about rugby and coaches young kids every w-e and she does ballet and volley ball and runs mini marathons. They never tell the other one no you can't do that and respect each others dreams and aspirations and share childcare or looing aftre the boys equally but also allow flexibility when one of them wants to do something.

They also have their own set of friends so they have a very good balance between being mum and dad and a family and being themselves.

I think ythat a lot of couples who split up miss being themselves as they are solely mum and dad or a partner/ wife /husband and not Isabelle and Dave any more... if you see what I mean!

It's important to be allowed to be yourself, to be able to continue to develop yourself.