12 things we learned about love in 2012

On TV (Once Upon a Time) and in film (Snow White and the Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror), we embraced badass princesses who require no saving from a guy on a horse. They win their happily-ever-after endings with grit and guts, which is actually how it works in real life.

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Other celebrities--and us plebes--could learn a lot from the royal newlyweds. Their sweetness in public (and their horror at having their private moments splashed across the tabloids) made their love feel that much more relatable. Hollywood, take note: Cute and classy is in.

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From Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey wearing G-strings in Magic Mike to Ryan Lochte's low-slung swim tighties, there was a smorgasbord of eye candy this year, and we were loud and proud in our appreciation. The biggest takeaway here: Your husband doesn't care what's got you so worked up, as long as he reaps the benefits. (And if you're looking for new material to spark the home fires, Bing images of Olympic rower Henrik Rummel... just don't do it at work.)

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Mel and Joey Schwanke, who got press attention for the 146 custom-matching ensembles they own, say that coordinating their duds every day is the secret to their 65-year marriage. "We've worked together on [that]," says Joey. "In the morning we say, 'Well, what do you feel like wearing?'"

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Thank you, Girls--HBO's hit show about four friends navigating the post-college years--for reminding us how grateful we are to no longer be in a 20-something relationship. We'll take our well-worn marriages and demanding kids over sexting, hookup awkwardness, and "Am I doing this right?!" insecurity any day.

Throughout Katie Holmes's five-year marriage to Tom Cruise, it looked like he was the one calling the shots. That was, of course, until Katie executed a split with military precision that left him reeling. Just weeks later, she debuted a fashion line at New York Fashion Week and was spotted around town with an easygoing smile on her face, causing everyone to wonder, "Tom, who?" Katie, we underestimated you.

Or so it would seem from the gush-fest speeches both Ann Romney and Michelle Obama gave at this year's political conventions. "I'm still in love with that boy I met at a high school dance... [and] he still makes me laugh," Ann said, while Michelle joked about the couple's first dates in Barack's rusted-out car. Did you squirm a little, watching their choreographed kisses and hugs? Never mind: Both husbands scored bumps in the polls, proving that we like a commander in chief with heart (and flowers, and candy...).

Gold-digging has lost its luster--not even the characters on PBS Masterpiece's Downton Abbey are doing it (go, Matthew and Lady Mary!). According to a recent British study, fewer women are "marrying up," thanks to their own success and, we like to think, a little thing called love.

The celeb version of carving couple initials into a tree? Wearing their hearts on their hands, chests, ears--anywhere they can adorn with jewelry! Jessica Biel flaunts a "Justin" necklace, Kim Kardashian debuted her relationship with Kanye West by donning "KW" earrings, and Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux wear matching name rings. The rest of us like this craze too, according to jewelry designer Jennifer Zeuner. She says her personalized necklace for couples has become a best seller in recent months: "It's a sweet way of announcing, 'I'm taken!'"