I haven’t really observed very healthy relationships – romantic relationships or friendships – in real life, and I thought it might be good to expose myself to realistic good relationships as depicted in media. If they become easier to believe in, that’ll help me.
For my purposes, the more it shows this and the less time it spends on other stuff, the better.
Films, books, television… Perhaps documentaries are a good place to look?
Parent-child relationships aren’t very relevant for me here, but feel free to bring them up as well.
Nomi Marks and Amanita in* Sense8*. While watching it, it actually struck me how unusual it was to see two normal, loving people in a healthy relationship.
I’ve started watching* Dexter* (I know, I know, I’m 10 years behind on pop culture) and Dexter and his girlfriend (fiance?) have a good relationship. Well, apart from the whole “I secretly kill people” thing . . .
Gomez and Morticia Addams. Passionate; loving; love each other because of their weirdness, not despite it; adventurous; not consumed by kids’ needs and issues.
Bob’s Burgers has always impressed me with the simple way they depict a family dynamic that is weird and funny, yes, but also very solidly healthy and respectful. It’s about a family where everyone loves each other and no one ever makes a big deal about it.
Yes! Good one. Bob and Linda are kind of like Homer and Marge from earlier Simpsons seasons, with the genders swapped a bit. Plus the Chicken and Hawk episode had me unexpectedly in tears.
Elizabeth and Henry McCord from the current series “Madam Secretary”. They also have a great relationship with their three teenage/young adult children, who are dealing with their own foibles.
I love that show! It’s on right after “60 Minutes”.
Having a very healthy relationship doesn’t mean no one will ever cheat. Healthy relationships also run into problems. You measure their healthiness according to how these problems are resolved.
It’s on right after “60 Minutes”.