Who are your marriage role models? The number of couples choosing to get married is plummeting. Good, solid marriages are less common than they used to be. Maybe YOUR marriage has been a role model for others – or maybe you would like to be.

Role Models from Our Childhood

Janine: As a kid I was surrounded by solid marriages – my parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents were all in committed marriages. One solid memory that has stuck with me from my childhood was the feeling I had whenever I heard my dad call my mom “Lovey.” When Dad called Mom “Lovey”, all was right with the world. His tone was just so tender – I could “hear” the love in his voice. I hoped that someday I would have a husband who would speak to me in a tender, gentle way like that.

Ken: My parents’ marriage didn’t last (and neither did either of their second marriages). But my grandparents’ marriage was the most solid thing I knew. There was plenty of work and stress in their lives, but they were always there for each other, and us. Even though they weren’t the type to show affection in front of others, everyone could tell that they were completely devoted to each other.

Current Role Models

Janine: I can think of SO many couples we know who put their spouse first. We recently spent the night at our friends’ house (Matt and Gail) and needed a ride to the airport at 5:30 am. We got to witness two admirable acts of love on the morning we left. Matt had told us he would be up early to drive us to the airport. Around 5 am, I saw that Matt was putting a load of laundry into the washer. It might seem like a simple thing, but it spoke loudly about Matt’s love and thoughtfulness towards his wife.

Ken: As we were about to leave for the airport, I expected to give Gail a quick hug goodbye so she could go back to bed. But No. Gail appeared – fully dressed – all ready to ride along to the airport with us. When I said, “You didn’t have to get up so early to go with us,” she responded with, “Oh, no, I can’t let Matt be the one to drive all alone. We’ll make a date out of it. We’ll drop you off and then go for coffee.” Wow – now that’s the kind of love I admire.

Who are Your Marriage Role Models?

If you know married couples who are solid role models, you’re lucky. The world definitely needs MORE good examples of healthy marriage.

Let Them Know

Here’s a challenge – Think of married couples whom you admire. Reach out to them and tell them what you appreciate about their marriage.

Marriage – Good for the World. Good for our Society. Good for You.

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Republished with thanks to The Couples Post. Image courtesy of Tima Miroshnichenko.