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Since the beginning of sitcom television, we’ve been learning life lessons from our favorite characters. Whether or not you watch Modern Family, there are some great marriage lessons you can learn from the characters in the show

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1 of 8 Rick Rowell/ABC

Trust Your Partner

It's important to trust your partner, no matter what. This helps your relationship grow. Your partner has your best interests in mind, and because of this, they aren't going to do something to hurt you. This is shown in several episodes between Mitchell and Cameron.
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2 of 8 Peter "Hopper" Stone/ABC

Be Yourself, Rather Than Try to Impress

It doesn't matter if you're trying to impress your children, your partner, or your in-laws, it's always better to be yourself. If you're working too hard to impress others, they'll be confused when you let the charade go. Claire and Phil are too often trying to impress their children and everyone else
3 of 8 Peter "Hopper" Stone/ABC

Support Your Partner

Marriage means support. If you don't support your partner, you're going to have a hard time. Jay and Gloria support each other and their children, even when they simply don't agree with the situation. Support doesn't always mean agreement, but it does mean being there for each other whether things go right or wrong.
4 of 8 Peter "Hopper" Stone/ABC

Second Chances are Important

Marriage isn't always a walk in the park, and sometimes your partner will mess up. However, offering a second chance allows the relationship to grow and evolve in great ways. Phil and Claire almost broke up, but when he gave her a second chance, they became stronger overall. Forgiveness is crucial in a marriage.
5 of 8 ABC

Marriage is Work

Modern Family shows that relationships aren't always easy. However, with work, all the relationships in the show work. Let's be honest, they're not always easy, but with communication, empathy, and work, marriage can be great.
6 of 8 ABC

Hugs Keep a Family Happy

All of the couples in Modern Family like to hug it out. This has been a moral in sitcoms for decades. However, it's important to realize that this is an important part of being a family, as well as being part of a couple. There will be arguments, but being able to hug afterward goes a long way in fixing the problem.
7 of 8 ABC

Always be Present

Jay and Gloria have found that being present is not only important for their children, but also for their marriage. Keeping communication open and ensuring that you are there for each other keeps the relationship strong.
8 of 8 Bob D'Amico/ABC

There’s No Such Thing as Perfect

No relationship is perfect. Each couple in Modern Family proves this. There are arguments, disagreements, and miscommunications. However, this doesn't mean that the relationships are bad. Instead, it simply shows that they aren't perfect, which in real life is perfectly fine. Having a relationship is hard work, both on television and in real life. No matter the dynamics of the relationship, it's going to take mutual effort. Television shows like Modern Family give us a little bit of perspective and a few great lessons when it comes to maintaining a successful marriage.