(Mybrotha.COM) - We all seem to be entertained by those super successful power couples and their idea of being socially and financially prosperous. They appear to have it all together: plush houses, expensive cars, business ventures, and celebrity looks. They are often visible within their communities and they're probably enjoying every minute of it.

Now let's talk about reality.

Most of us don't own million dollar bank accounts, or luxurious homes filled with vaulted ceilings and marble floors. Our faces aren't prominently plastered on television, and we seldom seek public attention. None of these things are needed to have a fulfilling connection with your significant other.

The makings of a successful couple are based on the fundamentals of relationships: communication, trust, loyalty and love. Communicating openly and honestly with each other helps couples decide whether they're on the same page, or grasping for common ground.

However, many couples find themselves passionately seeking the glitz and glamour of a power couple. You know the type: behind on bills, leasing cars they can't afford, and living in houses they should have never purchased. They are in debt up to their eyelashes, but no one sees it because their fashion forward clothes and fake smiles hide it all. It is a volatile effort to seek validation through the accumulation of material wealth, and too many couples crumble under its pressure.

Life should be, and can be, much simpler.

There is a comfortable goodness in getting back to the basics. The "me and you against the world" attitude has spawned some of the most extraordinary relationship teams, and none of it involved image or status. There are no mandates stating that couples have to struggle before enjoying prosperity, but reaching a comfortable position in life requires more than money. And the art of being happy and healthy costs very little.

According to a report for the African American Healthy Marriage Initiative (AAHMI) entitled A Public Health Perspective on Healthy Marriage, Dr. Martha Okafor, Deputy Director of Special Projects, Department of Public Health, states that married persons tend to live longer than their unmarried counterparts, and marriage offers social integration and supports that are linked with many health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular disease.

The report further says: "African Americans, who are generally poorer than other racial groups, were twice as likely as Whites to say that finances were a problem in their marriage. However, findings show that good communication and problem solving, solid social support from family and friends, and strong emotional and financial investments in the marriage by both couples help reduce marital conflict and distress."

While strong finances and social activity can be beneficial to a marriage, seeking a particular status or position doesn't buy happiness. In fact, the stress and anxiety associated with a couple's desire to keep up with, or surpass their peers, has been linked to poor health, psychological distress, and divorce.

"I used to try being one of those super couples, "' says Michael Friesan, a security professional from Springfield, IL. "I bought a house I couldn't really afford, threw lavish parties, and tried to convince my wife to live that lifestyle. After a few years, I realized that the expensive cars and clothes, and the image didn't matter as much as I had originally thought."

Many couples find themselves in Friesan's shoes. As he and his wife discovered, the notion of successful relationship being built on high finances and a particular social appearance, is far-fetched and seldom fruitful.

When couples focus on the basics of building and supporting a strong relationship foundation, a lot of those things--financial prosperity, contentment, and even happiness--soon follow.

"Our main goal now, is to be happy," Friesan said. "I could care less if we're seen, or have the best vehicles, or a billion dollars in the bank. I'm just glad we have a good marriage."