13 Signs You’re a Power Couple (And How to Become One If You’re Not There Yet)

Co-authored by Kemar & DeAnne Johnson and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Being in a power couple is #relationshipgoals. Famous power couples like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are easy to recognize, but what does it really mean to be a power couple? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about power couples and signs you might be in one. Then, we’ll give you a step-by-step plan to upgrade your relationship to power couple status.

Things You Should Know

Power couples are successful in their careers while having a great relationship.
Both partners in a power couple also go after their personal goals and maintain their independence.
Power couples balance each other perfectly—their strengths complement each other’s weaknesses.

Section 1 of 3:

A Power Couple: Defined

Power couples are happy, successful, and mutually independent. Both partners go after what they want and have a full life outside of their relationship. Even though they’re happy together, partners in a power couple are still independent and celebrate their individuality. Additionally, they balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses, making them stronger together.
- Beyonce and Jay-Z are a well-known power couple, as are Barack and Michelle Obama.

Section 2 of 3:

Signs You’re a Power Couple

1
You feel like your best self now that you’re together. Power couples add to each other’s lives and make each other better people. You help each other succeed in life and create a lifestyle that makes each other happy. To be a power couple, you and your partner need to help each other thrive.
- Basically, you’re both killing it on your own—but you’re practically unstoppable together.
2
You both have successful careers. One of the most recognizable traits of a power couple is professional success. It doesn’t really matter what kind of job you have, as long as you’re both succeeding. Do you and your partner both feel successful? You might just be a power couple.^{[1]
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Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
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- When you think of a power couple, you might imagine two doctors or a doctor and a politician. However, two working artists could be a power couple, or a writer and an engineer. What matters is how you’re performing in your job.
3
You’re both accomplishing your personal goals. Power couples don’t just dominate in their career. You and your partner need time to pursue your personal goals, like learning to play an instrument or taking an art class. If you want a great relationship, keep going after the things that make you happy.^{[2]
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- Take classes to develop a skill, like cooking or painting.
- Train to run a marathon.
- Grow plants from seeds.
- Go after your dream job.
- Join a roller derby.
4
You’re both still independent. Being in a relationship doesn’t mean that you give up your own interests. Power couples know this. They continue to nurture their individual friendships, interests, and hobbies even though they’re fully committed to their partner.^{[3]
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HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source} Ask yourself if you:
- Hang out with your friends without your partner there.
- Do things that you enjoy but your partner doesn’t.
- Still have time for hobbies.
- Spend time alone sometimes.
5
You can rely on each other and feel secure in your relationship. Power couples depend on each other and know that they’ll have each other’s backs. Although independence is important, you still want to be vulnerable with your partner so you’ll have a more secure bond. In the long-run, you’ll have a stronger relationship.^{[4]
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- Validate each other’s feelings.
- Keep your promises.
- Be there for each other when you need comfort or encouragement.
6
You empower each other. Power couples are each other’s biggest cheerleader. They’re always encouraging each other to shoot for the stars. Make sure you and your partner are fully supporting each other. That way, you can be the best you can be.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- Celebrate your accomplishments together.
- Encourage each other to continue your education or go after promotions at work.
- Support each other’s hobbies and interests.
7
You work together. Power couples help each other, which allows them to accomplish more. One partner doesn’t pick up the slack for the other. Additionally, you both know you’re never going through a problem alone because you have each other.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}
- You might help each other with chores during busy weeks.
- You can bounce ideas off of each other.
- You solve problems together.
8
You have mutual respect for each other. Power couples treat each other with kindness and truly value each other. In fact, mutual respect is necessary for a healthy relationship.^{[7]
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Research source} Here’s how you can respect your partner:
- Be honest with them.
- Tell them what you need.
- Talk to them when you have a problem.
- Compromise.
- Use kind language when you’re speaking to them.
- Give them your full attention when they’re talking.
9
You communicate openly about anything and everything. Power couples talk about everything so both partners are on the same page. All healthy relationships require good communication, so it’s worthwhile to set aside time to talk.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists
Go to source} You might sit down for a weekly heart-to-heart so you both have a chance to open up.
- Get in the habit of telling your partner when you have a problem and asking them for advice.
- Ask your partner about their day every day, and tell them about yours.
10
You know each other’s love language. Everyone has a preferred way to give and receive love, which is called a love language. Power couples have a strong relationship because they can communicate in each other’s love language. Ask yourself which of the 5 love languages you and your partner use:^{[9]
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- Giving gifts
- Spending quality time together
- Touching each other
- Giving words of affirmation
- Doing acts of service
11
You spend quality time together. Power couples know that strong relationships need time to grow. Quality time together helps your bond grow and helps you have a healthy relationship.^{[10]
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Research source} You don’t have to do anything special during your time together. Just enjoy each other’s company.
- Long-distance couples can still spend quality time together over video call. Talk, share a meal together, play a game, or watch a film. You can totally build your relationship even if you’re not in the same room.
12
You balance out each other’s weaknesses. Everyone has faults—it’s part of being human. Power couples aren’t perfect, but they do complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In a way, their differences actually make them stronger.
- For instance, one of you might be artistic, while the other is more pragmatic. In this case, you can both help each other step out of your comfort zones and will also contribute different things to your relationship.
- You and your partner might still have a lot in common. Think of yourselves as pieces in the same puzzle that fit together perfectly to create a nice picture.
13
You’re both optimistic and fun. Power couples have a great attitude, which is partially what makes them successful. In general, optimistic people focus on the good things in their life and believe that they can do things well. Their positive attitude actually helps them achieve success.^{[11]
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Research source} Ask yourself:
- “Do we look on the bright side?”
- “Do we talk positively about ourselves?”
- “Do we go on adventures together?”
- “Do we go out and have fun?”
- “Do we view setbacks as opportunities?”

Section 3 of 3:

How to Be a Power Couple

1
Prioritize your relationship. Power couples know that they matter more to each other than their amazing accomplishments. You likely have a lot on your plate, but your relationship needs to come first. Try not to let your personal goals get in the way of the relationship goals you have with your partner.^{[12]
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- Schedule time with your partner so you don’t neglect your relationship.
- Be there for your partner when you need them.
- When you have to choose between your job and your partner, you might have to prioritize your partner to keep your relationship strong.
2
Spend time with each other. Creating memories together will strengthen your relationship. Plus, it helps you find balance between dominating in your careers and nurturing your relationship.^{[13]
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Research source} Here are some fun things you might try:
- Go for a walk during sunset.
- Take a cooking class together.
- Play a game of mini golf.
- Go on a picnic.
- Try a new restaurant.
- Go on a weekend getaway.
3
Open up to each other so you can grow closer emotionally. Talking to your partner builds emotional intimacy and helps you create a healthy relationship. Plus, open lines of communication make it easier for you and your partner to work through problems when they come up. Make a point to talk to your partner every day. Additionally, really listen to them when they open up to you.^{[14]
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- “Today has been so hectic for me. I really want to decompress tonight. How are you doing today?”
- “Today I really dominated at work. I can’t wait to tell you about everything I accomplished. How was your day?”
4
Bring out the best in each other. A power couple is strong because they help each other be better people. Together, you and your partner can accomplish anything. Here’s how you can bring out the best in your partner:^{[15]
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- Celebrate what makes them unique.
- Point out their talents and accomplishments.
- Let them make their own decisions.
- Resist the urge to assign them negative traits, like laziness.
5
Support each other as you pursue your goals. Power couples encourage each other to spread their wings and fly. Encourage your partner to go for their dreams, and be their biggest cheerleader along the way. Ask them to do the same for you.^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- “You’re amazing! I know you can do it.”
- “If that’s your dream, you should go for it.”
- “I’ve decided to start that side gig I told you about, and I hope you’ll cheer me on.”
6
Appreciate each other. Thank your partner for doing chores you don’t like and for doing things that show you they care. Additionally, reflect on the qualities you love about your partner and the cute nicknames they call you.^{[17]
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- “Thank you so much for always doing the dishes.”
- “I love how funny you are.”
- “It’s so sweet when you call me ‘Darling.’”
7
Regain your independence if you’ve lost it. Your relationship will be a lot stronger if you take time for yourself. Start being more independent by spending some time alone, doing something you enjoy. Additionally, hang out with your friends without your partner.^{[18]
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- Talk to your partner about what you need. Say, “I really want to spend more time focusing on my hobbies,” or “I want to apply for a promotion at work, even if that means working more hours.”
- You may need to set some boundaries with your partner if they won’t give you alone time. Say, “I love spending time with you, but I need time to myself, as well.”
8
Work together during life transitions. Change is a normal part of life, and it can really challenge your relationship. A power couple anticipates change and adapts to it together. Be willing to grow with your partner as you get older, and your relationship will be stronger.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- Expect your partner’s interests and habits to change as they get older.
- Help your partner through trying times.
- Be open to changing careers or making big moves.

Expert Q&A

Question

What does it take to be a power couple?

Kemar & DeAnne Johnson
Relationship Experts
Kemar & DeAnne Johnson are Relationship Experts and Hosts of the “It’s Relational Podcast”. They specialize in effective communication and thorough comprehension as well as maintaining a healthy intimate relationship. They are high school sweethearts who have been married for over eight years and together for over 13 years. They have co-authored an Ebook called “The Top 25 Tips to Have a Beautiful Long Lasting Relationship.” They are also proud Jamaicans who value their roots, upbringing, and culture very much! They both attended Herbert H. Lehman High School and CUNY New York City College of Technology.

Kemar & DeAnne Johnson

Relationship Experts

Expert Answer

In order to become a power couple, one has to simply be powerful on their own. It's a little cliché when people say “Work on yourself before you get in a relationship.” No one ever says how. What we've defined as working on yourself is understanding who you are in terms of personality and love language. When you go to another person who knows this about themselves individually, and you guys come together, you essentially become a power couple because you know each other down to the very core of existence.