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He loves football, she hates it. She loves remodeling, while choosing paint samples makes him break out in hives. He's a gourmet cook, she would happily live on Kraft dinner and peas. How do you manage your differences? Is there strength in diversity, or will your differences tear you apart?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is (surprise!!) a staunch Republican. His wife, Maria Shriver, is a life-long Democrat. One of their four children is old enough to vote; she favors Mr. Obama. They couple is very open about their political preferences, right down to opposing (but numerically equal) lawn signs. In past elections, Ms. Shriver has even brought home a life-size cutout of her preferred candidate -- and of course her husband reciprocated with a cutout of his own!

How do they manage their open and obvious political differences? By treating each other's beliefs and opinions respect; by understanding that your spouse is not required to agree with you 100%. When Shriver told her husband she wanted to support Obama at his appearance at U.C.L.A., he told her to "Do it! You have to do it!"

Ms. Shriver adds, "I think there are great benefits to having kids grow up understanding that we do not live in a one-party system," Ms. Shriver said. "That there are two ways at looking at an issue. To be patient, and to compromise, those are good lessons not just in politics but for life." And for a marriage. Well done, Arnold and Maria!