The truth is, being in a successful relationship has very little to do with how things appear on the outside, or how pretty or financially rich a person is. It has to do with how a couple feels about themselves as individuals, as well as their feelings for each other. They must also be willing to put effort and care into the relationship. Good intentions and flash-in-the-pan passion are not enough to sustain a lasting bond or a happy marriage. Couples need to be committed to each other, communicate effectively, and perhaps most important of all, place a high priority on achieving wedded bliss.

I certainly don’t want to denigrate all celebrity unions. There are a few Hollywood "A" listers who really seem to get it right. For example, John Travolta and his beautiful wife Kelly Preston talk openly about how they work at their relationship and make it a priority to be successfully married. They acknowledge that being married is equally important to both of them, so they do whatever it takes to make it work. Their married life appears to include an appreciation for one another, a deep love of family and true support of each other’s work, life goals and passions. The same dedication is seen with the Spielbergs. Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw also have the right idea. It’s clear they are a couple who places family first. Kate Capshaw placed her role as wife and mother above everything else, a decision that has served her family well. Achieving a successful marriage requires time and support of one another, as well as the ability to work on important and mutual goals as a family. These two couples model dedication to marriage very well.

NEXT: Know Yourself Before Making a Commitment