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My parents were not that affectionate but they were very committed to each other. My dad was very patient with my mom even when she was a handful and would say things without thinking. My mom was always there for my dad and us by fulfilling all the domestic duties like cooking, cleaning, laundry.. etc. I really admired that about them but I wanted "more" in my relationship with my husband. I wanted someone who would communicate and be affectionate. I don't think I even saw my parents kiss! (Not that I want to.. LOL!) But I really did and still do admire my parents dedication and sacrifice for us and hope that I can be that for my future children.

I have to say, growing up I used to look up to my parents marriage. They made me believe in love and family and being able to have it all. As my siblings got older I realize people really change and grow in different ways. Even though my parents are still together and they have their happy moments, they aren't without their problems. I don't find myself idolizing their marriage as much as I used to. I am more inspired by my own now and adapting ourselves to the modern day marriage.

No. My parents were miserable together. My father is a very....opinionated man, and is very good at verbally tearing you down if you don't agree with him. My mother never had the backbone to stand up to him, so the only memories I have of her when I was a child are of her hiding out in her room writing poetry.

My dad and stepmom have an equally bad dynamic, but almost reversed. SM is very in your face about everything, and she definitely rules the roost. Dad cowers when she turns it on him. Her children (my stepsiblings) were all serious hellions when they were teens, and I remember once my stepmother and stepbrother were screaming at each other, and he started throwing things and calling her b*tch and c*nt and all sorts of nasty names. Dad tried to get in between them to get into SB's face about screaming at SM like that, and SM turned on Dad and told him he wasn't allowed to speak to her children that way.

So I don't look to either of those relationships. From my parents I've taken the lesson that you shouldn't make a point to tear down your spouse even when they don't agree with you. From Dad and SM I learned how important it is to me to have a united front with my spouse, and not treat him like a doormat.

The marriage I look up to is my in-law's. They've gone through some really rough years, but they made a point to work on their relationship. They are each other's biggest cheerleaders and always encourage the other to try things that they might have been too scared to otherwise try (going for a job, for example) and they've taken turns carrying each other when one stumbles and falls. They have the utmost respect for each other, and their marriage is an absolute priority to both of them. And they raised three amazing sons together.

I definitely look up to my parents and their marriage. If DH and I are even close to as successful as them, we'll have a wonderful marriage and life!

ETA: That isn't to say that my parents are perfect, never disagree, or get upset with each other. But these things don't have often and when they do, they work through them together and are respectful of each other's feelings.

i do. they've been married 37 years. they've been through ups and downs but they've stayed together, remained faithful and have done so much for the family.

My parents have been married over 30 years, I definitely admire their commitment to each other

My parents' 33rd anniversary was on our wedding day. I wanted to get married on their anniversary because I do admire their marriage so much. They are very committed to one another, and have a great bond. I hope that my husband and I have a marriage as committed and loving as theirs is.

They had a great marriage, unfortunately my father passed away when I was 14.

My in-laws also have a great relationship, and really are "meant for each other".

Absolutely! My parents have been married for 38 years now and they're totally in love and going strong! They've been through SO many hardships, but overcame it all through faith and prayer. I've learned so much from both of them and credit the success of my marriage to what I've learned from them.. and to Jesus Christ of course!

My husband and I have things we really admire about both sets of parents but also things we'd like to do differently. Overall, we really admire them and are grateful for the examples they've set for us. We realize they aren't perfect though and every marriage has difficulties and problems. We'd like to pull strengths of both to build our relationship.

No, not really. My parents aren't that happy. Sometimes I wish they would get a divorce but I know my mom never would.

No. My parents have been married for a long time and have a good relationship, but it's a very traditional Asian marriage-- the husband is the breadwinner and the wife is the stay-at-home mom. When problems arise, they rarely talk it out and usually give each other the silent treatment until it blows over. My father traveled a lot so my mom did most of the parenting. My SO and I are very vocal people and tend to bicker and get loud much more but I am a firm believer in open communication. We don't go to bed angry and we always talk about our problems. There is not resentment and we're very honest with each other. We're a working, two-income household and I like it like that. I like that we both contribute as parents as well as earners and that we make decisions together.

HECK YES! My parents have been married 36 years. They crack me up! I would not say they are super affectionate or anything but clearly love each other dearly, are best friends, and always know how to make each other laugh even when they get irritated at one another. Thay have always been such good role models with anything and everything in life. I look up to them not only in their marriage but how they are as individuals and as people.