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Interviewing Michele and Ivan was a positive reinforcement as to the possibility of mating for life, underscoring their deep commitment and shared system of values, as well as a life-loving attitude. I've known them for years, but, as it tends to go with even the closest of friends, have never talked about their relationship, how they met, and what their relationship means to them. They are each such strong characters but neither take the dominant role - which I find quite rare. I was aware of their love of cats though - I think at one point they had about 9 of them.

See their interview, and at least one of the cats, under video's on this site.

This film is considered one of Ingmar Bergman's best, an intense drama follows the marriage of Marianne and Johan as it deteriorates - the frustration and misunderstandings palpable. When Marianne learns of Johan's infatuation with another woman, the relationship unravels, yet through it all, a deep, underlying love keeps the couple connected. And Marianne's discovery of her power as an independent woman woos him back to a deeper union. 1973

Here are the questions we are asking most couples when they get interviewed:

How did you meet?

How old are each of you?

Did you have significant relationships before you met each other?

What were each of your parents relationships like?

How long had you been living together?

Tell us about the circumstances leading up to your marriage? Who popped the question?

Why did you decide to get married as opposed to a civil union?

What are your thoughts on gay marriage?

What aspects of marriage are most important for you, and do you subscribe to religious or cultural conventions?

Was your marriage in some way something you did for your family?

Does it increase your feeling of stability to be bonded to each other in this way?

Does it change the way that you feel about each other to be married?

Do you see yourselves growing old together, or do you look at marriage as being a long term commitment, but not necessarily till death do you part?

When you look around at other people you know who are married, what percentage of them do you think are happy with their partners?

Do you think taking occasional breaks from each other may prolong marriages?