My aunt and uncle—better known to others as Leanne and Mike—have been my relationship role models ever since I was old enough to start thinking about love and marriage. After coming from a divorced home and seeing divorces happen in most of the marriages in my family, it amazed me that my aunt and uncle were still together, and not only together, but were really happy too. Although many of the remarriages in my family have resulted in the same happiness and commitment, I truly admire the dedication and commitment that my aunt and uncle have towards one another to stay together for so long. This past summer, I traveled to Maryland with my mom and step dad to attend a party to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary. I loved seeing all my friends and family in Maryland, eating the delicious food that they provided, and busting some moves on the dance floor, but most of all I enjoyed watching my aunt and uncle, and how they still have a spark from many years ago bright and lit. The way that they look into each other’s eyes and smile gives me goosebumps, and you can easily tell that they really love each other, through the good times and the bad times.

My aunt and uncle are my relationship role models because they practice all of the good components necessary for a strong, healthy marriage. They communicate with one another and talk out their disagreements, they trust one another, they worship at their church together, and, most importantly, they trust each other. They also spend quality time together, going on date nights and vacations, and spend time with their three children, my cousins Jessica, Ricky, and Charissa, despite the fact that they are all older and living on their own.

I believe that they keep their relationship going by making sure that they stop and slow down to make time for the important things in life. They sit down and eat their meals together, talk with each other at the end of the day, and encourage and support the things that the other accomplishes. Basically, they’re the real life version of an old fashioned, happy marriage. This doesn’t mean that everything is always perfect between them though, but the difference with them is that they don’t give up on each other, and they continue to persevere in a positive direction, every single time.

The most important thing that my aunt and uncle have taught me about relationships is that real love still exists. In a generation of divorce, instant gratification, and “having it your way” all the time, it’s still possible to stay with someone for a long time. Secondly, they’ve taught me that although love is great, it does take work if you want it to last. This includes doing what I mentioned earlier—working out disagreements with communication, trusting your partner, and spending time with your partner to really learn everything there is to know about one another. Their top advice would most likely be to be there for one another, never giving up on your partner. That bond and strength is hard to break, and after you’ve been together with someone for so long it gets easier, but it’s still important to keep the spark with your partner lit for a healthy and long lasting relationship.

Although I don’t get to see them every day since we live in different states, my aunt and uncle are two of the most inspirational and kind people I’ve ever met. They give me hope that, even in this day and age, marriage can last, and that life is meant to be lived, not just watched on the sidelines. Stay strong, stay faithful, and stay happy, and learn to love yourself before fully investing in a serious long-term relationship.

What do you think are the most important parts of a healthy relationship? Do those things differ for a healthy marriage vs a healthy dating relationship? If you had to use one word to describe what every good relationship has in common, what would it be? Tell us your secret to a healthy relationship in the comments!