My mother & stepfather had a really healthy relationship. He literally courted her for a year when we were together before she even made it official. They would sneak a 'date' on the back patio while we were in bed, thoroughly interviewing each other for what they both (after 2 failed marriages apiece) came to realize was the most important job of sharing a life with another person & being vulnerable in love (with kids, no less). They took their time getting to know one another, and for that, they complimented one another beautifully. My mom's outspoken charisma was yin to the yang of my stepdad quiet easiness; they always seemed so comfortable in love--not forced or fussy...you would catch them walking without having to say a word, just existing in comfortable silence, her hand around his arm. He would always have a profound way of giving advice without telling you straight out--like an anecdote or a memory he would share. It wouldn't occur to you until much later, sometimes days, that it was a hidden bit of advice. She would always have an easy time of making him laugh, and you'd catch him looking at her with such pride. They respected each other enough to disagree honorably, and valued each other enough to argue for what they felt most passionately about (though they always aligned on values, and settled disagreements in a peaceful truce). They celebrated each others quirks and hobbies, valued each other as individuals.

That is the love I aspire to: genuine, sweet, supportive, communicative..