Very Famous Relationships
People are influenced on a daily basis by the many famous relationships that we see on television, read about in newspapers, and learn about on line. Many of them often end up in divorce or wind up splitting up if they are in a business relationship. But some of them stick in our minds and are a good example of how we can deal with own relationships.
It is said that a major event in someone’s life brings people, especially siblings, closer together. The loss of a parent brings out the strength of the family in a time of need and sibling’s unique strengths come to the forefront, whether it is just to comfort another family member, take care of details such as funeral arrangements or insurance issues, or being the public face of the family. Siblings who may fight and bicker draw close together and act as a team and this is not something that is lost when they move on with their lives. This level of caring and affection remains, even if it wasn’t there before. A good example of this type of strength in a relationship can be found in the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry, the sons of England’s Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana. They came together and supported one another during a trying time that was highlighted in the media and around the world. And they have remained extremely close even today.
Some relationships are very much partnerships in the world. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, two of country music’s hottest stars, are partners not only in the business world, but as husband and wife. They discuss the disciplining of their daughters, whether or not to attend events, and what songs are best for each of them to sing. They share their life and actually appear to be a fairy-tale couple. They have their ups and downs like every other relationship, but Tim and Faith have kept the lines of communication open and have managed to turn their very famous and visible romance into a partnership of love.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne opened up their home to millions of viewers worldwide, giving everyone a glimpse into their unique relationship. They started out as rock and roll icon and manager and are now one of the music industries biggest power couples. There have been unconfirmed rumours of abuse in the marriage, but Sharon remained strong and by Ozzy’s side. She understands how to deal with Ozzy’s ADD, and together they have raised a beautiful and talented family. When Sharon went through chemotherapy for breast cancer, Ozzy remained at her side. Their devotion to each other is a great example of how communication, support and respect help a relationship survive.
Of course, not all famous relationships end up like Tim and Faith’s or Ozzy and Sharon’s. There are plenty of famous couples who would cause turmoil and more problems for everyone around them. Some of them even changed the way the world looked a religion.
That particular couple can only be King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Henry was married to Catherine of Aragon, who gave him a daughter but no sons. Unhappy in his marriage, and known to be a hopeless playboy, Henry fell in love with a young court woman Anne Boleyn. The Catholic Church would not allow him to divorce Catherine, so he took matters into his own hands and broke away from the church, divorcing his first wife and marrying his second. Anne was unable to give him any male heirs (their daughter was Elizabeth I) and she eventually lost her head. Surprisingly enough, the only woman history claims Henry loved with all his heart was Jane Seymour, who died giving birth to his only son Edward.
Medieval infidelity ran rampant among a famous literary couple by the name of Uther Pendragon and the Lady Igraine. Uther, the king, wanted Lady Igraine, the wife of the Duke of Cornwell. While the Duke was away, the king came to play and nine months later, King Arthur, founder of the Knights of the Round Table was born. While this is a literary couple based on British mythology, you can see where betrayal and infidelity ruined the lives of the Duke and his wife.
Politics is an arena where relationships are tested. Barely able to stay out of the limelight for some personal time, our leaders and other political movers and shakers have to have strong interpersonal relationships to keep things moving and healthy.
Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed the Supreme Court, found support from her husband John during her long tenure as a judge in the highest American court. Supportive of each other, they welcomed three children into the world and still today she strives to hold her family close. When her husband John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sandra retired her position on the Supreme Court in order to spend more time with her family. She is one of the top advocates in Alzheimer’s research.
Everyone knows about the sex scandal former President Bill Clinton dealt with during his presidency. His wife, Hilary Rodham-Clinton, stayed by his side during all the court hearings and public bashing, giving him someone to lean on as he finished out his tenure. Still married today, having worked through the problems, Bill and Hilary are still a large part of the political landscape, except now Bill is supporting her during her time as a New York Senator and possible future bid for the presidency.
Movies also have some of the greatest relationship around, in good and bad relationships. Even though they are fictional, like many literary relationships, they still teach us things about relationships and how they work.
One of the most well-known relationships is the ‘Fellowship of the Ring’, nine people working together to achieve a common goal. J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous group is a good example of how diverse cultures can come together, overcome their prejudices, and reach their goal. After all dwarves and elves usually don’t along, and by the end of the trilogy, Gimli and Legolas were willing to die together as friends.
And we also have the dysfunctional relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala in George Lucas’ ‘Star Wars’ series. They shared lies, secrets, and mistrust and ultimately, Anakin fell and took his beloved Padme with him. But not before twins Luke and Leia were born and went on to save the galaxy, brother and sister side by side overcoming adversity, the evil of the Emperor and their own father.
History has shown us that many relationships have been influential on society. With the entire Clinton fiasco, younger children are more aware of sexual situations and are asking questions of their parents. King Henry VIII fractured the church, but the ‘Lord of the Rings’ taught us how to overcome adversity. Keeping an open-mind, the lines of communication open, and the ability to adapt, relationships can strive and survive.