What Does It Take to Be a Power Couple?

George and Amal Clooney. Beyonce and Jay Z. George Lucas and Mellody Hobson. Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Michelle and Barack Obama. Victoria and David Beckham.

What do each of these couples have in common? They have achieved success in their industries. They have spoken highly of each other. And they are widely considered to be power couples.

“A power couple is a couple that is driven in their mission of what they want to do. They are powerhouses and making an impact in this world,” says Karina F. Daves, a relationship and communication expert. “Power couples are often expected to be driven, confident, and wealthy. They usually encourage each other a lot and are supportive of their partner's mission,” she adds.

Society often puts couples that are rich and famous in this category. But a couple’s ability to complement each other’s strengths has more to do with being a power couple than wealth and celebrity status.

We dig a bit deeper into the traits, characteristics, and mindset of power couples, and tips to keep in mind if you’re looking to achieve power couple status.

Signs and Traits of a Power Couple

Couples like Amal and George Clooney or David and Tamela Mann seem to have it all together on the outside. They appear to be happy and successful, with the finances and trappings to go along with it.

People are fascinated with couples who seem to embody success and will give social media hashtags of #couplegoals and #powercouple to emphasize this. We often admire them, and in some cases want to figure out how to have that same level of happiness and prosperity.

What makes a power couple? And what are some signs and traits to look for that go beneath the surface?

“The power couple practices being present, compassionate, and curious with each other. When someone says something that is hard for the other person to hear, instead of turning to anger and becoming critical with each other, the power couple simply remains curious and works to create understanding,” explains Carl Nassar, PhD, LPC, Founder of The Great Culture Lab.

Nassar continues, “The power couple helps each other stay emotionally regulated so that neither person ends up withdrawing from the other or attacking the other.”

Both partners make the relationship a priority. They focus on building a solid foundation for their household and know that teamwork is a big part of their success. Even in the mundane areas of life, a power couple thrives. 

They also recognize how much intangible traits matter, like honesty, solid communication skills, and presenting a unified front.

“These are important because this is what a relationship is. It is not just having a wedding and purchasing property. We want to have this support inside of a marriage or relationship to bring longevity to it and thrive,” notes Daves. 

Of course, there are the characteristics that society sees. Each person thrives in their area of expertise—whether it’s sports, entertainment, managing the home and family, or running a business. But a big part of the reason they thrive is that each person gives their partner the space and support they need to grow personally and professionally.

Benefits and Challenges

Any relationship takes work. And being in a notable power couple relationship takes special skill to navigate. It has its own challenges.

If you are in the public eye, and the subject of constant scrutiny, it takes a toll. Whether it’s social media or the latest talk show, people will pounce at any sign of a problem in the relationship. You feel like you’re under a microscope, and it makes it hard to deal with issues.

Power dynamics could contribute to conflict in relationships. Although a power couple supports each other, jealousy and frustration can creep in when one partner enjoys a bigger career boost than the other.

Carving out your own identity can also be a challenge. Think of couples who start to be known by a one-name moniker. It can be hard to feel eclipsed by a collective identity, instead of being known for your own. Balancing family and career is also a challenge that most couples face, including those in the limelight.

But being a power couple also has its perks.

A positive outlook is also a benefit of having a power couple mentality. The mindset is one that considers what benefits the relationship as a whole.

A Power Couple Works Together

“Being a great team is key. You want to make sure you are there to support each other. This goes to the idea that you are your own person and powerful, but then as a couple, you bring this out even more in each other through support, accountability, and encouragement making you a powerful couple,” Daves notes.

It’s an attitude that you can develop as well. Start by taking stock of your talents and skills. How can you put them to work for you in your career and your relationship? Next, focus on being yourself. Learning from others and understanding how they achieved success is different than trying to become that person. Comparing yourself to other power couples is an unhealthy strategy that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

But Each Member of the Couple Works on Themself as Well

Working on self-improvement is another way to excel as a couple. Internal traits of discipline, tenacity, and a strong work ethic apply to power couples who are achieving their goals. And of course, working on your relationship is crucial.

One of the things people most admire and celebrate about power couples is their ability to survive—and thrive—as a couple. A strong relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and honesty will position you and your mate as a power couple in your respective arenas.

Keep in Mind

Ultimately, remember that having your face on every magazine cover or having billions of dollars in the bank is not what qualifies you to be a power couple. It starts with the focus on you and your relationship.

“[We] all know that true power doesn’t lie in these lesser realms, regardless of cultural narratives that tell us they do. We know that true power lies in our relationships with one another. As such, the true power couple is the couple who, together, creates a relationship rich in connection, belonging, and mutuality,” Dr. Nassar concludes.