When it comes to love, we all have examples that we look up to. Whether you admire your parents or a celebrity couple that seems to have it all, it helps to have a clear cut example of a happy relationship. We look up to power couples like Diane von Fürstenberg and Barry Diller, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, or basically anyone who attends the Allen & Company “summer camp for billionaires.” These couples all have their own successful careers, but still find time to maintain enviable marriages. Here’s what power couples do differently – and how you can steal their methods to create your own successful relationship.
Respect Each Other
When it comes to successful relationships, you will almost always find the two partners are equally matched intellectually, emotionally, and professionally. This is no accident. Our matchmaking services purposely seek equal footing in each introduction because it better allows our clients to understand and respect each other. Sheryl Sandberg famously wrote, “When it comes time to settle down, find someone who wants an equal partner. Someone who thinks women should be smart, opinionated and ambitious. Someone who values fairness and expects or, even better, wants to do his share in the home. These men exist and, trust me, over time, nothing is sexier.”
Be Selfless
Justin Timberlake said of his marriage to Jessica Biel, “We have a couple of rules in our relationship. The first rule is that I make her feel like she’s getting everything. The second rule is that I actually do let her have her way in everything. And, so far, it’s working.” All joking aside, it really does help to have a spouse who is genuinely interested in your well-being as well as their own. Unhappy marriages are the result of two people looking out for their own best interests. Happy marriages happen when two people look out for each other with little regard for getting their own way. Focus on making your spouse happy and they will return the favor.
Reality Checks
Nobody wants to marry a “yes man” (or woman). Our matchmaking services pair couples based on compatibility, which means your partner is that much more likely to value your honest opinion. Bill Gates practices this kind of open communication with his wife, Melinda: “Melinda and I would brainstorm about [the company],” He said, “You always benefit from your key confidante telling you, ‘You think so-and-so stepped on your toes? Well, maybe he didn’t mean to. Maybe you’re wrong.’” Respect and trust your partner’s opinion. After all, your success lifts them up, too.
Enjoy the Routine
Actor Ray Barone recommends finding bliss in the everyday routines. After all, you get to spend life with your best friend – you might as well enjoy it! “Look, you want to know what marriage is really like? Fine. You wake up, she’s there. You come back from work, she’s there. You fall asleep, she’s there. You eat dinner, she’s there. You know? I mean, I know that sounds like a bad thing, but it’s not.”
Stay Together
Jon Bon Jovi’s wife famously quipped that if he ever decides to leave, she’s going with him. No matter how difficult your schedule gets, no matter what stressors there are in your career or family life, lean on your partner for support. You have been matched with your spouse because you not only share the same ambition and smarts, but because your personality traits are complementary. You have the power to help your partner just as they help you – but you have to stay together to do it.
It’s time to get the relationship you’ve always wanted without compromising the career you’ve worked so hard to maintain. With these tips from the ultimate power couples, it really is possible to achieve the ultimate life – picture-perfect romance and all. Contact us today to learn more about our matchmaking services for like-minded professionals.
